I know you're all cringing at the thought of buying compost, but I'm pretty new to compost and my pile is just getting going so for this year I'll have to buy some (and hopefully that will be the last time). I'm going to top dress my beds so I'm buying in bulk (probably about 5 or 6 yards). I've found two options available to me:
1. A garden center that sells Soilife Compost ( http://www.renewedearth.com/soilife.cfm ). The cost is $24.50/yard plus a $75 delivery charge (ouch). The benefit with this compost is that it is state, EPA, etc. certified, so I KNOW what it is.
2. Another soil provider who makes their own compost ... basically grass, straw, etc. They told me pesticides were not used on the grass but they cannot guarantee it. This is $19.50/yard with a $38 delivery charge.
This represents about a $60 difference, which is attractive to me, but I'm a bit wary of the less expensive choice because I would be horrified if I did anything to damage my plants.
Opinions would be most appreciated.
Need some advice on what kind of compost to buy
Twonewfs-It depends on how many yards you want.If you want 10 yards & the garden center can bring it in one dump truck load,that's going to be a pretty good deal.A full size dump truck holds about 10 yards full.Be very watchful to get your full measure no matter which you go for.
What I would do is go look at the product. You want 100% organic compost. None of this 50% soil garbage. We have several companies that make compost, but I have not seen one that will deliver 100% organic materials. One company gets all the area yard waste, and composts it, and sells it with all sorts of detritus, wrappers, broken plastic, cigarette butts. Another mixes organic compost with soil to create more product. Pfffft.
When I buy compost, I buy Gardener and Bloome Soil Building Compost. There is probably a similar compost available near you. It is far better than anything else on the market.