SPVS Valley's Best

PRODUCT USE RECOMMENDATIONS


San Pasqual Valley Soils’ composts and mulches are excellent for a wide variety of applications. The volume you’ll need to apply depends on the application, existing soil condition, aesthetics desired, and type of product you decide to use. We have general recommendations on our Products page.

So why should you use compost and mulch?

First of all, compost and mulch use will reduce water evaporation and help conserve water which is so important to all of us living in San Diego County. Conserving water also means saving money!

Second, these products also add and promote beneficial microbial populations in your soil. The most fertile, productive soils are microbially rich, and also high in organic matter. Happy microbes = happy plants!

Third, compost and mulch improve soil structure and help insulate plants’ root systems from extreme heat and cold. This reduces stress, improves health and extends the life of your plants.

Fourth, These powerful soil amendments also provide your plants with both micro and macronutrients as they break down, doling them out slowly throughout the growing season. Plants love this!

In a nutshell, compost and mulch vastly improve the overall health and physical structure of your soil, which is the key to optimum plant vigor and growth. And it just looks good!

Conserve water with compost and mulch!
Conserve water with compost and mulch! Image from CalRecycle Organics Compost and Mulch Toolbox

Give us a call to discuss your particular application and we can help you choose what product and volume is best. If you already know what product you’d like to purchase, click on our Calculator below to find out how much you need.

SPVSoils Calculator

Here’s a quick reference guide based on common uses and application rates of San Pasqual Valley Soils’ extensive product line:

Mulch – General Recommendations

Water Conservation – Incorporate Planters Blend 1/4″ under trees and shrubs followed by 2 to 3″ of Grower’s or California Native Mulch®.

Weed Control – Spread Grower’s Mulch or California Native Mulch® 2 to 3″ thick.

Erosion Control – Spread Grower’s Mulch or California Native Mulch® to a depth of 4.”

Compost – General Recommendations

New Plantings – Incorporate 30% Planter’s Blend compost into the top 8-12″ of existing soil.

Native Plants – Incorporate 10% Planter’s Blend compost into the top 8-12″ of existing soil.

New Turf – Spread Valley’s Best Compost® 2 to 3″ thick and till into top 8-12″ of soil (if using seed, top dress with an additional 1/4″).

Turf Renovation – Top dress turf with Valley’s Best Compost® at 1/8″ to 3/16.”

Planting Beds – Blend 25% Planters Blend with 5% Valley’s Best Compost® and incorporate well into existing soil.

For a more detailed guide on using our products for raised garden beds, planter boxes, hydroseeding, raising grades, and filling in low spots, see this chart.

For a more detailed guide on using our products for new trees and shrubs, ground cover, new turf establishment, and reseeding or dethatching lawns, see this chart.