Can you grow a vegetable garden in ONLY compost?

I know that compost is generally added to the soil, and then tilled in, but would a garden grow in only compost? And would it grow well?

Can you grow a vegetable garden in ONLY compost?
Compost is light enough that topheavy plants like tomatoes are just going to tip over. It also doesn't have great buffering capacity (the clay in soil is excellent for this function).





Summary: ok for small stuff like lettuce, ok for underground tubers like carrots, but you're going to get better results by mixing it in with real soil.
Reply:o ya!! depends on whats in it, like no toxins, but ya! infack, they could grow 3 times bigger and twice as fast!! so ya i'd do it! also, your vegtables will have more of a freesh sweeter tast to them!
Reply:You sure can. I have thrown potato peels in the compost and harvested potatoes the following spring here in US zone 8b
Reply:If you can afford to do that, every gardener would be jealous-


provided it is completely clean compost (fully composted material).Some plants (zuchini ,tomatoes , calabrese) would be very happy (if not happier) even if not fully composted.
Reply:Yes. Actually, most gardeners around the world mix compost to ordinary soil to improve its texture, water holding capacity and aeration. Compost also improves organic matter and nourishes plants that grow on it. It depends on you.


Pure compost is enough to support plant growth. Plants that grow in pure compost receives nutrients right away when they are well established. Compost, in fact, is rich in organic nutrients and will keep the plants big and healthy.





But there are a few things to remember when using PURE compost:


- Most compost, if used pure, will absorb lots of water but the longer the compost holds water, the aeration will decrease. It is advisable to add brown materials (coconut dust, sawdust, rice hull). But if not available, mix it will sand otherwise. This will improve its drainage and aeration.


- If the compost is used by many plants for a very long time, it will slowly lose its nutrients. If necessary, top-dress the compost with new compost when the plants are not doing well.


- Avoid planting when the compost is still newly decomposed. It still generates and stores too much heat and it will kill plants. Let the compost cool for 2-3 days until coll to touch before using.





Best Regards...


= back_rider5 =