Ron's Compact Tractor Service

Composting -- Adding Organic

I used to think adding good topsoil was the answer, but no more......I've read several KSU papers on improving your lawn, and to my surprise, fixing almost all ailments to our nasty clay soil is answered with one phrase: 

Add Organic!

Two years ago, our lawn, ailing like all Derby lawns, needed an assist.  Rather than apply fertilizer, we added six THOUSAND pounds of composted zoo doo!

We applied it directly over our fescue, spreading it by hand.  We raked it some and then watered.  The ideal way I think is to add the compost, then verti-cut and overseed. 

The only downside to the zoo doo that I've found is you do get WEEDS from the grass/hay in the mixture!  We simply sprayed for that a few months later.  It is almost odorless and looks/feels like potting soil.

I buy the compost at Wood Recyclers at 53rd North& Broadway in Wichita.  It comes in bulk and costs about $30/yard (2004 prices).