skip to main content

New Jersey Gardening

Where to buy compost

16 years ago

I'm a newbie gardener and have been reading all I can. To my dismay, I have clay soil, which I know comes as NO surprise to other sj gardeners. I'm willing to double dig, etc, to start getting my soil into shape. Where can I buy yummy (to plants!) compost like mushroom compost, aged manure, etc. locally? I live in Camden County, but am willing to travel about 50 miles or so if needed or pay for bulk delivery. Thanks. Leslie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

MissMyGardens
16 years ago
Don't know how good their products are but when I ran a search found following:

County Conservation Company in Sewell, NJ
http://www.countyconservation.com/Source/Prod/cc-products.htm

Cape May County Munc. Util. Auth.
They have composting facility from tree, branch, leaf, grass collection.
http://www.cmcmua.com/

From their website Camden County MUA doesn't seem to do anything but sewage processing.

Other than letting your fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages and chancing a vendor without recommendation I don't know any better than you where to get this stuff unless I could find it at Lowe's, Home Depot or a local nursery.

This is my first year trying some gardening at my father's house and I feel lost with all the details involved! I've actually ordered some recommended "soil amendments" online and paid to have them delivered. Hopefully something will break ground next spring and bloom...LOL.

Good luck!
greensingh
16 years ago
Hi, in addition to above, you may also want to check if your local municipality provides any mulch/compost free of cost to the residents. I know cherry hill township does. You may also want to check craigslist for sources of horse manure in the area. Delivery may or may not be available for these. happy hunting.
Related Discussions
Raised bed garden going bad? Where do I buy compost?
Q
Comments (6)
Before purchasing anything labeled "topsoil" think about what it is you expect it to be. Since you already returned something being sold as "topsoil" since it was 80 percent clay would you expect other sources of "topsoil" to supply anything much different? A good garden soil will have about 92 percent mineral and about 8 percent organic matter which can be compost, leaf mold, shredded leaves, etc. I would not rely on the sellers assurances that what the seller is selling is what I want and have asked for about a 1 cup sample to test myself using this simple test. Soil test for organic matter. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top
...See More
where to buy compost
Q
Comments (5)
First call the City of Trussville. Several years ago they dumped all of the leaves the city picked near a park. You went down Pine St. near the school and over the creek and up a hill. You could get all you want for free. Same for Mt. Brook. They dumped all leaves in an area. I've never been there but some of the Botanical Gardens folks I used to know talked about it.
...See More
Where can I Buy Compost
Q
Comments (2)
There is a place in Amenia..... If that's close enough, call me at 845-677-4130 and I will give you directions... Really good stuff. $35 a cubic yard... Wayne
...See More
Where to buy compost by the yard on Long Island?
Q
Comments (1)
I would start with places closer to your location, Martin Viette http://www.martinviette.com/ or even Hicks www.hicksnurseries.com/- both are very large and reputable. I am use Cipranos in East Meadow to buy mulch by the yard. http://www.ciprianonursery.com/ Small place, when you want service or something different. Many places do recommend compost by the bag, it is not as convenient, but but if that is the general recommendation, there must be a reason.
...See More
classytchr64
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the good advice, newbie in nj and greensingh. I'll check everything out and let you know how it goes. I hadn't thought of Craigslist. Must be my age! I found , on another gardenweb forum, a great place to buy plants that I didn't know about before- Fairweather Gardens in Greenwich, NJ. I can't wait to order and then pick up my plants in the spring.
the_seventh_worm
15 years ago
If you are still looking for it, try Dearborn Farms in Middletown. I don't know whether it is too far from your home, though. I bought bulk compost from there a couple months back @ $48/cu yd.
diane_nj 6b/7a
15 years ago
Dearborn is 80+ miles from Camden County (I'm in Monmouth County, my folks live in Philly). Great place, but way too far away!
organiclawnboy
15 years ago
I found a place in Pa. that says they deliver to nj. Mascaro compost supply. $15 a yd for 45yds, 18 ayd for 25 yds.
kelleynelson
15 years ago
Dearborn Farms sells bulk compost made by Ag Choice. If you check out Ag Choice's site, they may have a retailer closer to you. I bought a bunch of this product from Dearborn this fall and it is good quality.

http://www.ag-choice.com/finished.html
donnamarienj
15 years ago
Does anyone know where to buy compost in Essex County?
splnge4me2_gmail_com
14 years ago
organiclawnboy - Mascaro is in waste management, human waste... composted

Here is a link that might be useful: JPMascaro&Sons
veggimeister
14 years ago
Also looking for large scale delivery of composted COW manure - does anyone know of a place that delivers by the yard in nortern NJ? Western Passaic, bordering Sussex county. When we lived outside of Boston we used to get 40 yards delivered every year.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)

By Matt Kilburn

Quit shelling out for pricey substitutes that aren’t even as good. Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load

EDIBLE GARDENS Houzz Call: Where Are the Craziest Places You Grow Edibles?

By Annie Thornton

Basil in a bathtub, spinach stacked up a wall ... If your edibles occupy an odd spot, we’d like to know

KITCHEN DESIGN Where Should You Put the Kitchen Sink?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Facing a window or your guests? In a corner or near the dishwasher? Here’s how to find the right location for your sink

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

PETS What You Need to Know Before Buying Chicks

Ordering chicks for your backyard coop? Easy. But caring for them requires planning and foresight. Here's what to do

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: To Buy or Not to Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Before you make your next home-decor purchase, ask yourself these 10 questions

MOST POPULAR 9 Reasons to Buy a Painting

By Laura Gaskill

No print or poster can rival the power of an original painting, chosen by you, for where you live

Your First Apartment: Where to Begin?

By Becky Harris

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read

Bibliophiles across the globe reveal their top books and favorite reading spots, from a 2-story library to an artfully curated book nook

HOME TECH Home Tech: Where Is My Robot Housekeeper?

We haven't mastered the all-purpose humanoid house cleaner, but these gadgets make quick work of chores

Sponsored

More Discussions

voice your support for a NJ Invasive plant ban?

0

Bhatia nursery information

0