Where to get quality local compost?
Ginny asks via the Twitter:
Your favorite place for quality local finished compost? Building a few new beds. I need way more than I make.
As Ginny noted in a follow up, "Sadly not all compost is equal." It's not a bad idea to know where the compost is from, and what's (generally) gone into it.
So, got a suggestion for Ginny and other gardeners? Please share.
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I met the guys from Saratoga Sod at the HVCC Garden and Flower show, and were impressed with their "big yellow bag" product. They deliver it in a bag, and leave it at your house until your project is done - so you won't end up with a huge pile of soil spilled out everywhere. I asked where they get their compost, and they told me that have two local farms where they source manure.
http://www.saratogasod.com/byb/index.cfm
... said Jessica R W on Apr 7, 2015 at 3:40 PM | link
Look for compost that is manufactured under the US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program.
... said Frank Franciosi on Apr 8, 2015 at 7:56 AM | link
I know you asked for quality compost, and this is arguably not that, but the city of Albany gives away compost for free to Albany residents. Last I checked you could fill 5 lawn bags per day.
Not the best quality, but perhaps better than nothing and good enough for someone who comes to this page looking for an alternative compost solution.
... said Sean on Apr 8, 2015 at 9:40 AM | link
Hannaford is selling bags of compost and the proceeds go to a charity. I can't recall what the charity is right now. But the bags are in the produce department, at least in the Central Ave Hannaford.
... said Amy on Apr 8, 2015 at 9:44 AM | link
Herrington Farms in Troy has compost for $30 a yard (which fills a small pick-up, and McEnroe in Millerton has Certified Organic compost for $47 a yard. Best of luck!
... said Colie on Apr 8, 2015 at 9:49 AM | link
Thanks for the great suggestions and resources. I did not know there is a US Composting Council.
... said Ginny on Apr 8, 2015 at 12:27 PM | link
In Charlton on Jockey Street there is a horse farm that gives away aged horse manure compost, self serve. We get garbage cans full and top our vegetable garden every year.
... said Sue on Apr 8, 2015 at 3:19 PM | link
I've used literally truck loads of compost from the City at no cost. I, too, had to fill some raised beds. It worked out very well. I just added some top soil and manure to it.
... said Joe A on Apr 8, 2015 at 3:19 PM | link
Trilogy equestrian on 161 white road in ballston spa...3 yr old composted horse Manure. FREE and we will load it for you with the tractor. Making room for winter! 518-894-8490
... said Brandon Ryther on Nov 28, 2017 at 12:15 PM | link