I had originally entitled this article "Feeding your Perennials -- Compost VS Fertiliser." The problem with that title is that it implies that one is better than the other, or that a choice must be made between the two. That is not the case at all. I am going to tell you why a combination of both is best for your soil, and therefore, your beloved plants.
Fertiliser is ANY material used to feed plants. Fertiliser does not have to be made up of manufactured materials. Some rock minerals are packaged and sold as fertiliser. A jug of seaweed extract is fertiliser. A handful of chicken droppings is fertiliser. What we most often envision upon hearing the word 'fertiliser' is processed, manufactured and refined products such as 20-20-20 in electric blue, or super phosphate. This does not have to be the case. There are many choices in terms of fertiliser, and I recommend using the non-chemical kind for the health of your soil and garden.
Compost is any organic material that has mostly or completely decomposed. Compost is used for ammending or conditioning soil. Their fibrous content helps improve soil structure. It is also an excellent fertiliser.
So which is best to use -- fertiliser or manure? Back to that question again huh? STOP asking that question!
By using both compost and fertiliser, you are getting the best of both products. Compost is an excellent soil ammendment for all kinds of soil, and especially hard or dry soils. Beds ammended with compost will survive drought better. Compost compliments fertilisers by making soil microbes work better and faster, to the extent that certain fertilisers will not be properly ingested by the soil unless there is a certain amount of fibre and carbon (in the form of compost) in the soil. Therefore, keeping your soil 'alive' rests in the hands of compost.
And fertiliser is great for a boost of food as needed.
So use both for goodness sake!
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