Powerfeed users, tired of guessing? Compost fixes more than you think — including your confidence.
Share
The secret sauce your soil's been waiting for
Remember when everyone swore by that little black bottle of Powerfeed in the shed? That same aha-moment — when a small change leads to big growth — is what happens when you start adding organic compost to your garden. It’s not just for fancy veggie growers or permaculture pros. It’s for anyone with a shovel, a patch of dirt, and a dream for something green and alive.
Why compost makes everything better (yes, everything)
Dry, sandy soil that barely holds water? Compost fixes that. Clay heavy and sticky like cookie dough? Compost. Plants looking a bit pale and meh, no matter what you feed them? You guessed it — compost. It brings soil back to life by boosting microbial activity, increasing water retention, improving structure, and giving your plants a buffet of nutrients to choose from.
"Think of compost like gut health for your garden – it feeds the soil, not just the plant. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants — full stop."
– Candeece, Head Grower at Strath H Garden Centre
Before compost: frustration. After compost: flourishing.
We had one local customer who was giving up on her veggie patch after three soggy tomatoes and a lettuce that never left seedling stage. She started layering in organic compost from her local garden centre each season and within weeks, her basil was bolting, tomatoes were sweet and abundant, and she was giving away zucchinis like Oprah. It wasn't a new watering schedule or a fancy fertiliser — it was compost.
What exactly is compost — and what makes it organic?
Compost is a mix of decomposed plant matter, like food scraps, grass clippings, leaves and untreated cardboard. When it’s organic, it means the inputs haven’t been sprayed with synthetic chemicals or pesticides — so it’s safe for your soil, safe for your plants, and safe for those tiny earthworm friends who help everything tick along underground.
Adding compost in South Australia? Here's how
With our hot summers and dry spells, soil breaks down quickly, losing nutrients faster than more temperate places. That means we need to feed it more often — and compost is an easy, natural way to do just that. Here's what to do:
- Top dress garden beds: In spring and autumn, add a 2–3 cm layer of organic compost over your soil and water it in. Let the worms do the rest.
- Mix into potting soil: Blend a handful into every new pot or planter to give roots a gentle nutrient boost.
- Revive bare patches: Sprinkle compost directly onto tired patches of lawn or dry garden soil to kick-start rejuvenation.
Bonus points: compost isn’t just good — it feels good
There’s something satisfying about cracking open a bag of rich, humus-y compost and knowing you’re not just growing flowers or food — you’re feeding the living web beneath your garden’s surface. It’s the most sustainable, low-fuss, high-reward thing you can add to your yard.
What if you don’t have time to make your own?
No worries. Most people don’t. That’s why many gardeners grab ready-made bags of organic compost from a trusted local store. No mess, no smells — just the good stuff, already broken down and ready to boost your soil. Look for composts with no synthetic scents, full of texture and a deep, earthy smell. If it smells like soil after rain, you’re onto something good.
Let your plants do the talking
Soon, it won’t just be in your head. Your garden will feel more alive — leaves perkier, flowers blooming longer, and produce growing with a little extra flavour. Compost isn’t magic. But after a few weeks? It might feel that way.
Here’s the mic-drop moment:
Good compost doesn’t just help things grow — it helps you stop second-guessing. Because when the soil’s rich, the guesswork disappears. You get more wins, more joy, and a garden that starts to give back. And that’s the kind of green thumb confidence that sticks.
Happy growing,
Candeece
Stay Connected
Join our gardening community on Facebook: Urban Gardener's Notebook
And follow our Store Facebook Page: Strathalbyn H Hardware on Facebook