Can Plants Grow in Compost Only

Compost holds the value of gold in a gardener’s eyes, full of nutrients for your plants. But the question is whether compost replaces the soil or not. This question comes to mind when we think about planting vegetables, fruits, or seeds directly in the compost.

Planting the plant in compost depends on the plant type you plan to grow. This comprehensive guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of growing plants directly in compost. We have provided the additional details of plants that grow best in compost only. Thus, keep reading till the end to discover if compost-only gardening is a good option or not.

Can I Grow Plants in Compost Only

Yes, planting in compost is possible, as Compost is a soil amendment for plants. But, because it’s an amendment hence, there are some conditions that you must consider first. This method is perfect for plants that prefer acidic conditions and are low-spreading plants. To thrive, the plants must have heat tolerance and the ability to bear any conditions.

You can also plant them in well-draining soil suitable for them. Plants like squash grow close to the ground and thrive best in pure compost. If you want to plant some vegetables or flower plants in compost only, then make sure to choose the plants that must be above ground and avoid root crops like carrots.

Plants that like well-drained soil thrive best, so if you use well-moisture compost, the plant will grow well. You can use compost only to grow any plant. Using compost instead of soil is a possible way of growing plants that do not require many nutrients. But make sure to use compost that is finished and well-matured.

It will help the plant get the proper nitrogen required and prevent heat. If you want to grow the plant in compost, don’t worry, planting in compost without soil is possible. You can do it by choosing well-drained and rich nitrogen compost. 

What Plants Grow Best in Compost Without Soil

Some plants grow well if you plant them in compost. These plants are not prone to bolting and can cope with high nitrogen levels. However, you need to select the well-moisture compost if you still want to plant some plants in the compost without soil. Let’s take a look at the plants you can grow in compost:

1. Pumpkin And Squash

Squash and pumpkin plants thrive well in compost without soil, having all the essential nutrients that these plants need. 

2. Strawberries

It is a plant that loves acidic conditions, so planting it in the compost is very beneficial because it grows well without giving you worries.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes can grow well in compost, but they mainly go to leaf and do not have many tubers. Due to the high nitrogen level, you might see scabby tubers on the potato plant. 

4. Peppers

If you want to grow the peppers in the compost, increasing the hot and bell peppers will be best because both plants love compost nitrogen levels. So you can plant them and get your desired results. 

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are suitable to grow in the compost without soil because they prefer the nutrients and drainage benefits of compost-enriched soil.

Advantages of Growing Plants in Compost Only

There are many advantages to growing plants in compost only without soil. Compost has all the essential nutrients that plants need for their healthy growth. It also provides nutrients and adds additional macronutrients for plants. You must get well-drained compost, give the required nitrogen, and improve soil structure. 

Here are some advantages of growing plants in compost. Let’s learn about them:

1. Good compost improves the structure of the soil, but if you are planting in compost only, ensure that it has all the essential nutrients that few plants need.
2. Compost is well-moisture, so planting it will provide good plant drainage.
3. If your garden compost is well-drained, it has all the necessary nutrients in varying amounts. It’s enriched in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which improves the growth of plants. 
4. Using compost is better than using fertilizers in the soil. You can grow in compost only because it is rich with the nutrients you provided the plants as fertilizer.
5. Making compost using the organic waste of your garden and kitchen is a better way to use the waste. Recycling waste materials is an efficient way of creating something beneficial for plants. 

Drawbacks Of Growing Plants In Compost Only

You will find a lot of advantages to using compost in the garden, but there will also be some disadvantages. Considering those disadvantages before growing the plants in compost is a good idea. Here are some disadvantages of planting in compost only:

1. Growing the plant in only compost is less efficient than growing it in soil because compost has a crumbly and lighter texture than soil. 
2. Water drains faster from the compost, and the plant dries out quickly.
3. Using the compost only adds dust and odors to the environment.
4. The more extended and lengthy treatment period requires much care and attention after the plant’s growth. 
5. Compost is expensive, especially if you buy it from the store. On the other hand, if you want to save some money and use homemade compost, that will require much effort and time. So, using compost only for growing the plant is not beneficial because you will need a lot of compost, and buying it from the store will be costly.
6. Compost is crumbly and soft, so that is why it compacts fast.
7. Although it is rich in macronutrients, it lacks essential micronutrients necessary for healthy plant growth.

Tips To Remember When Growing Plants in Compost Only

Here are some tips for growing plants in compost only. Let’s take a look at them:

1. Water the compost or plant regularly to maintain the moisture.
2. Avoid adding fertilizer to the compost because it already has a lot of nutrients that are breaking down. 
3. You can only grow vegetables and fruits in the compost but choose lightweight plants like baby carrots and tomatoes.
4. Closely monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases as it is possible due to the imbalanced environment.

Conclusion

You are wondering if you can grow plants in only compost, the answer is yes it is possible. Planting in the compost is possible if you choose a suitable compost and take care of the plants after planting them. However, one must consider the benefits and drawbacks of planting in compost to ensure better plant growth. We have explained, the pros and cons along with the tips and list of suitable plants specific to grow in compost solely. So, choose the right one for your plants and be a gardening expert!

FAQs

1. Can You Grow in Only Compost?

Yes, you can grow the plants only in compost, but your plants might need some improvement. Consider growing the plants in compost whose nutritional values can easily fulfilled by compost.

2. Do Plants Grow Better in Compost?

Compost is well-known for its ability to drain and contribute to healthy plant growth. Planting plants in compost has several benefits if you choose the suitable compost, but there are also some disadvantages. So, if you are thinking about planting them in compost only, then make sure to consider the disadvantages and advantages. 

3. Which nutrients does the compost rich in?

Compost is rich in essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen required to grow garden vegetables.