At Deep Roots Project (DRP), we emphasize the power of high-quality compost and mulch in creating thriving food gardens and sustainable landscapes. But not all compost and mulch are created equal. In this post, we'll guide you through the best uses of DRP's microbe- and nutrient-rich compost and our dense leaf mulch, what to avoid, and how to find safe substitutes if you're gardening beyond our delivery zones.

In today’s gardening world, “compost” is often used as a catch-all term for anything dark, crumbly, and sold in a bag. But don’t be fooled. Compost quality varies wildly—and using the wrong kind can quietly undermine your garden’s health and productivity.

At Deep Roots Project, our “Transformational Gardening” approach, based on cultivating thriving soil microbial communities, is about more than just growing plants—it’s about creating a thriving ecosystem within the soil itself.

We are taking the organic gardening movement to the next level by emphasizing the importance of microbe-rich soil. Generating robust microbial communities is our primary goal. Our soil and worm castings are teeming with healthy micro-organisms that feed and support our plants.

Pulling a plant out by its roots interferes with bacterial colonies and fungal networks. Think of soil structures as invisible towns and cities that the microflora live in. Only pull out the roots of root veggies. The “No Till” rule comes from regenerative gardening and farming practices.

Don’t hang up your gardening gloves just yet! Fall is the most important season for improving your soil. If soil is still warm, nutrients and organic matter in the compost stimulate micro-organisms. This is the time when you get a head start on your growing season. What you do NOW and the products you use NOW will make the difference between an OK garden and a spectacular harvest.

The DRP team absolutely loves the videos on this page by environment scientist Octaivia Hopwood. The links to articles, books, and videos on our Deep Roots blog posts are not merely copied and pasted. They have been selected after hours spent consulting and evaluating literally hundreds of resources.

Using fish emulsion in a food garden is an excellent way to support the health of soil microorganisms and crops. It provides essential nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and a balanced pH, all while being a natural and sustainable fertilizer option. By incorporating fish emulsion into your gardening routine, you can help to create a healthy and thriving ecosystem in your garden.