free city compost

[sophiamadonna]

We just got a bunch of well-composted "leaves and grass" I asked if there was anything else in it, like manure and the answer was no.
I know this is not a well-rounded compost (It looks like soil) and am wondering if it is nutrient rich or nutrient poor for flowers (not veges) I know some flowers do not like a heavy fertilized soil, and the soil available here is pretty much clay. What are leaves and grass rich in, potassium or phosphorus? thanks
sophia madonna

 

[Markymark]

I'm not sure how much I can help you, but if you feel it's not a well balanced compost, you can add worm castings and rock dust. That should make it a well balanced compost. The guy I watch does 1/3 compost, 1/3 coco/peat, and 1/3 something else I forgot. I just do compost and rock dust lol.

 

[RonsGarden]

In the composting process nitrogen is used up so you will need to add manure to balance it out.
Here's a good article that discusses the carbon/nitrogen ratios:
http://www.composting101.com/c-n-ratio.html

 

[sophiamadonna]

I know you need nitrogen for veges but this is flowers, most of which tend to like nutrient-poor soil. I am actually wondering if "grass and leaf" compost is too rich.

 

[rockhound]

You might be over-generalizing about flowers needing poor soil. What flowers in particular? They must have a balance of nutrients to grow, altho I agree that SOME flowers don't do well in an overly rich setting.

 

[Crabbergirl]

Hi Sophia,
Welcome.
Rockhound is right. There are some flowers that will appreciate richer soil. If we knew what type of flowers, we could make better and more accurate recommendations

 

[sophiamadonna]

Any wildflower mix, my larkspurs and marigolds and cosmos always did well in sandy soil with no rich compost.
I just have never used "city compost" before and would never use it for eatable garden...