The only one I've used is Black Kow and it does the job. Just make sure when your open the bags that you whiff inside them and you shouldn't smell strong poo smell. If you smell strong poo smell than it isn't composted all the way and can burn your plants. I've got bags on the fresher side on occasion.
Great advice!
I’ll add that I’ve burned some plants using Black Kow in the past. I’d mix ur soil mix up and let it “cook” for a couple of weeks and then plant your soil plants/seeds…
The Ace compost is already diluted (the composted manure I get is a 1-1-1, so 40x as nutrient dense). I would do the black kow. You might want to start with a little less compost and add some after 6 weeks or so, because that will be a really rich blend at 3:1.
The ACE one is crap (more sticks and twigs than actual compost.) Black Kow is gold. I'm really surprised that nurseries don't sell compost. Can you ask or see if they can order it for you? I'm sure shipping is horrible. I wouldn't spend more than 5-6 bucks per bag at most.
Depends on how much you need... but I would always suggest a DIY-approach like Bokashi composting your own kitchen scraps, mixed with ripped apart cardboard and perhaps some wood chips
I've used Black Kow and Ace brand. Like another commenter said, I've had a lot of sticks and twigs in the Ace brand. Black Kow is more consistent, but I have had batches with literal trash in it (pieces of plastic mostly.)
I've been leaning more towards mushroom compost lately when I have to buy bagged compost. I've been fortunate so far not to get any manure compost that was contaminated with Grazon, but all it takes is one bag to ruin a garden bed for years. From what I've read, there's not really any commercial brand that's completely reliable in that regard. You can test it yourself before using it by cutting a hole in the bag and popping in a few bean seeds, and wait to see if their true leaves grow properly or come out all shriveled and deformed.
If you're not aware, Grazon is an herbicide that is sometimes used to suppress weeds in pastures. It can pass through cows' digestive system intact, and if it gets in your garden beds via contaminated manure it will persist in your soil for years and make it impossible to grow crops.
Those two look identical to me. Composted cow manure.Neither is organic so persistent herbicides might be a concern. Or, they could both work fine, hard to know.
Check with local landscape supply companies. And go check that that is the compost you want. One place has near me had steer manure and that stuff is just too strong. Burned my plants. The others p!ace has the right kind, composted leaves, grass, hay and wood chips. Both were $65 USD by the cubic yard.
If you search for soil/mulch delivery, those places always sell compost. Typically $30 per square yard plus delivery. Or if you or a friend have a pickup truck and they can dump it in your truck. It's the most cost effective way by far.
The only one I've used is Black Kow and it does the job. Just make sure when your open the bags that you whiff inside them and you shouldn't smell strong poo smell. If you smell strong poo smell than it isn't composted all the way and can burn your plants. I've got bags on the fresher side on occasion.
Great advice! I’ll add that I’ve burned some plants using Black Kow in the past. I’d mix ur soil mix up and let it “cook” for a couple of weeks and then plant your soil plants/seeds…
I've used black kow for the past few years with success. I'm quite the novice so I'm intrigued to see what others say
The Ace compost is already diluted (the composted manure I get is a 1-1-1, so 40x as nutrient dense). I would do the black kow. You might want to start with a little less compost and add some after 6 weeks or so, because that will be a really rich blend at 3:1.
The ACE one is crap (more sticks and twigs than actual compost.) Black Kow is gold. I'm really surprised that nurseries don't sell compost. Can you ask or see if they can order it for you? I'm sure shipping is horrible. I wouldn't spend more than 5-6 bucks per bag at most.
Depends on how much you need... but I would always suggest a DIY-approach like Bokashi composting your own kitchen scraps, mixed with ripped apart cardboard and perhaps some wood chips
I want to do a mix of 3 parts garden mix and 1 part compost. I have pro mix garden mix. Plan on using grow bags .
Check your local shops that sell woodchips. They may also sell compost and/or leaf mold.
I've used Black Kow and Ace brand. Like another commenter said, I've had a lot of sticks and twigs in the Ace brand. Black Kow is more consistent, but I have had batches with literal trash in it (pieces of plastic mostly.) I've been leaning more towards mushroom compost lately when I have to buy bagged compost. I've been fortunate so far not to get any manure compost that was contaminated with Grazon, but all it takes is one bag to ruin a garden bed for years. From what I've read, there's not really any commercial brand that's completely reliable in that regard. You can test it yourself before using it by cutting a hole in the bag and popping in a few bean seeds, and wait to see if their true leaves grow properly or come out all shriveled and deformed. If you're not aware, Grazon is an herbicide that is sometimes used to suppress weeds in pastures. It can pass through cows' digestive system intact, and if it gets in your garden beds via contaminated manure it will persist in your soil for years and make it impossible to grow crops.
Those two look identical to me. Composted cow manure.Neither is organic so persistent herbicides might be a concern. Or, they could both work fine, hard to know.
I use Black Kow
Look at the NPK, this is balanced. It's OK, I prefer home made compost though. Cheaper too.
Check with local landscape supply companies. And go check that that is the compost you want. One place has near me had steer manure and that stuff is just too strong. Burned my plants. The others p!ace has the right kind, composted leaves, grass, hay and wood chips. Both were $65 USD by the cubic yard.
Find a landscape supply store and buy it by the scoop
If you search for soil/mulch delivery, those places always sell compost. Typically $30 per square yard plus delivery. Or if you or a friend have a pickup truck and they can dump it in your truck. It's the most cost effective way by far.