How Much Compost to Use
 	l	Estimate the planting area (Math Hint:  Square feet = length x width)
 	l	Decide upon the appropriate application depth of the compost (page 4) 
 	l	Use the charts below to estimate your compost needs.  (Abbreviations:  ft = foot;  yd = yard;  sq = square;  cu = cubic.)
 	l	Conversions:  9 square feet = 1 square yard;  27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard.
 Plot Size # of Sq Feet 1/2” Deep - Mulching  2” Deep - Amending new
   or Top-dressing   lawns or gardens 
 
 5' x 10' plot   50 sq ft  2.08 cu ft of compost   8.33 cu ft of compost (0.31 cu yd)
 10' x 10' plot   100 sq ft  4.17 cu ft of compost   16.66 cu ft of compost (0.62 cu yd)
 20 x 50' plot   1000 sq ft  41.7 cu ft of compost    166.7 cu ft of compost (6.2 cu yd)
 1 acre   43,600 sq ft  1,815 cu ft of compost (67 cu yd) 7,257 cu ft of compost (268 cu yd)
   
Question:  I have a plot about this big, how much compost do I buy?
  Compost Quantity  1/2” Deep - Mulching  2” Deep - Amending new
     or Top-dressing    lawns or gardens 
 
 1 cu ft bag of compost 24 sq foot area 6 sq foot area   
 1.5 cu ft bag of compost 36 sq foot area 9 sq foot area 
 2.2 cu ft bag of compost 53 sq foot area 13 sq foot area  
 2.5 cu ft bag of compost 60 sq foot area 15 sq foot area  
 1 cubic yard of compost  648 sq foot area 162 sq foot area   
Compost Works!  Soil blending trials conducted in 2008 by the Washington Organic Recycling Council, with funding from the Washington Department of Ecology, 
demonstrated that compost improves soil structure (lowers bulk density), nutrient availability (increases cation exchange capacity), moisture holding 
capacity, and supplies both nutrients that plants need and organic matter that supports soil life.   See the 2008 Soil Blending Trial report at               
www.compostwashington.org.
Question: If I buy this much compost, how many square feet will it cover?