In fact, using them interchangeably might negatively affect your garden soil and your plants.
What Is Compost?
Compost is organic material in various stages of decomposition.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
The proper balance ofgreen and brown in a compost pileis important.
Once the compost is fully decomposed, it becomes organic matter orhumus.
You wont recognize any of the original materials any longer.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Mature compost is dark brown and crumbly with soil-like particles, and it has an earthy smell.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Uses for Compost
Compost is the ultimate form of recycling.
Mature compost returns nutrients back to the soil in a form that is readily absorbed by plants.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Especially when soils are depleted by crops every year, such as in a vegetable garden.
The targeted app of nutrients in the form of fertilizer is also needed.
The other important function of compost is as a soil amendment to improve soil health.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
What Is Mulch?
Mulchcan be any material that you use to cover the soil surface.
While all compost by definition consists of organic material, not all mulch is organic.
Mulch helps the soil to retain moisture so it dries out less fast.
Can You Use Compost and Mulch Interchangeably?
Bark mulch and other woody materials take a long time to decompose.
During that time, they snatch it away from any nearby plants.
This can stress the plants and lead to chlorosis.
Thats also the reason why adding compost to the soil before it is fully decomposed is not recommended.
Using other not fully decomposed organic materials as mulch can be equally problematic.
The moisture buildup can lead to fungal diseases and cause root rot in nearby plants.
When to Use Compost vs. Mulch
The choice between compost or mulch depends on your goal.
Utilization of Compost and Other Landscape Refuse.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
