Garden soil and compost

Learn what the latest research tells us about common compost or soil questions and how to put that knowledge into practice in your garden.

How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes

By Weston Miller and Jeremiah Mann

Compost is a soil amendment consisting of partially broken-down organic material. Use compost to improve soil for vegetable gardens, landscape areas and lawns. Learn how to apply the correct amount of compost and how to avoid common compost mistakes.

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Photo Credit: Markus Spiske - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Weeds, grass clippings and compost concerns

In the spring when lawns and compost piles are kicking into gear, these popular questions crop up. Read on for answers.

Apr 2024 | Collection

Can I use vinegar to kill dandelions in my grass so that the clippings are safe to compost?

Q: I'm composting on site and wondering how concerned I should be about adding the grass clippings. Is there a weed killer that I could use that is safe to compost for a food garden? I’ve been looking into a vinegar/dish soap mix.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Pressure-treated wood for raised bed construction in the Willamette Valley

Pressure-treated wood is an economical option for improving the life of raised garden beds. However, some gardeners have concerns about the potential for the chemicals used to preserve the wood to contaminate the soil and plants....

Brooke Edmunds, Gerald Presley, Matt Konkler | Feb 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Latest News

No-till gardening keeps soil – and plants – healthy

No-till gardening minimizes soil disruption, which compacts the soil and destroys the pathways that channel air and water through the soil.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 5, 2023 | News story

Used appropriately, coffee grounds improve soil and kill slugs

Coffee grounds can be worked into the soil or added to a compost pile but should be done with some restraint.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 23, 2023 | News story

Turn manure into compost for your garden

Animal manure is rich in nutrients that make it a great organic fertilizer for your garden.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 19, 2023 | News story

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Become a Master Gardener!

The Master Gardener™ program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. This program also facilitates the training of a highly educated group of volunteers, who extend sustainable gardening information to their communities through education and outreach programs.

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Compost Resources

Herbicide-Contaminated Compost and Soil Mix: What You Should Know — and What You Can Do About It

Compost and soil mix products sometimes contain herbicide residue. This residue can damage certain vegetable, fruit and flower crops. The residue likely comes from contaminated hay, grass clippings or manure. Watch ...

Weston Miller, Kaci Buhl | Feb 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Don’t worry, maggots help break down compost pile

Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 19, 2022 | News story

Compost tumbler suggestions?

Q: Looking to buy one but would like your opinion for easiest use and quality if you have a preference.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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How to Collect a Soil Sample for Testing

In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

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Photo Credit: Dylan de Jonge - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Soil Resources

How do I test my garden soil?

Learn why you should test your garden soil and the different kinds of tests to ask for. Resources include instructions for how to collect a soil sample for testing and a short video demonstration.

Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Understanding Soil Health and Biota for Farm and Garden

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Like diamonds, clay soils are forever

Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 5, 2022 | News story

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Upcoming Events

May 10

Let's Talk Plants (PCMGA Plant Sale)

9:00 am - 3:00 pm Rickreall, OR

May 11

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR

May 15

Agricultural Learning Center Tour & BBQ

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Roseburg, OR

May 26

Let's Talk Plants (Buell Sunday Marketplace)

11:30 am - 5:30 pm Sheridan, OR

Meet Our Experts

Erica Chernoh

Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice, Commercial and Community Horticulture

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me about the Master Gardener Program or gardening questions from Marion or Polk counties

Have a question? Ask Extension!

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Can I use vinegar to kill dandelions in my grass so that the clippings are safe to compost?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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