FAQ

How much do I need for my lawn?
For more information about how much you need, then please see our Mulch and Topsoil Application Chart.

What is leaf mulch?
Mulch that is made of chopped up leaves that is not yet compost.

What is the difference between mulch and compost?
Compost is a growing media and mulch is a weed barrier.

Why should I get finely ground mulch?
So it will not matt up,  will allow the water to penetrate and not run off, has more moisture retentive qualities.

Why do I get yellow and white slimy stuff growing on my mulch after a few days of rain?
It is the decomposition process starting. There is nothing to worry about, the fungus will go away when it dries up, a little nitrogen added to the mulch may help.

Why should I use compost or a compost blend and not straight topsoil?
Southeastern Pennsylvania has all the essential nutrients in the soil but our stubborn soil will not release them to the plants. Individuals spend thousands of dollars putting on lime, fertilizer and other amenities to help the soil. Compost added to the soil will allow our stubborn Pennsylvania soil to release all its nutriments to the plants, thus giving us healthy and beautiful plants.

Do I need a soil blend to put in my raised bed to grow vegetables?
No.  Compost will do just fine by itself, but you might want to add a small amount of nitrogen. Last year I  found that a small amount of topsoil mixed in the compost helps the topsoil to release its nutriments in raised beds over 12 inches high. 

Compost is a process that occurs naturally as the life cycles of plants and other organic matter are used by animals and microorganisms and are left on the timberland floor to emanate rich, customarily soft, sweet-smelling soil. We do this process here at Barnside, giving back to nature what nature intended.

Mushroom soil verses compost:  Why?/ Why not?
Some mushroom soils are high in salts; compost contains no salts.