Spring is here, and so are the projects. Maybe you’re building raised beds, refreshing your lawn, tackling a landscaping overhaul, or managing a commercial installation. But standing in front of a dozen different soil products can feel overwhelming. Compost, garden blend, potting soil, mulch… what’s the difference, and which one do you actually need?
This guide makes it simple. Instead of listing products and hoping you figure it out, we’ve organized everything by project type. Find your goal below, and we’ll tell you exactly which compost, soil, and mulch products will get you there.
Bookmark this page. You’ll want it every time you start something new.
New to The Compost Company?
Take a minute to learn who we are and what makes our products different.
We’re Middle Tennessee’s only source for full-circle organic waste solutions. We collect organic waste from local businesses, compost it at our Ashland City facility, and turn it into the premium products you see here. When you buy from us, you’re getting quality materials and supporting a closed-loop system that benefits our community.
Now, let’s find the right products for your project.
Building or Refreshing Raised Beds
Use: SuperSoil Raised Bed Blend
This blend was engineered specifically for raised bed projects. It combines our Premium Screened Compost with peat moss and perlite to create a light, airy structure that drains well but holds the right amount of moisture. It won’t compact over time or leave roots sitting in water.
Fill new beds completely, leaving an inch or two at the top. For existing beds that have settled or lost their vitality, top off with fresh SuperSoil at the start of each season.
Planting in Containers, Pots, or Starting Seeds
Use: Pot Luck Potting Soil
Pot Luck is our signature all-natural potting mix, developed with expert soil specialists for growers who want strong, reliable results. This lightweight blend combines Premium Screened Compost with sphagnum peat moss and perlite for optimal moisture retention, drainage, and root development.
It’s perfect for herbs, houseplants, flowers, vegetables, and nursery starts, whether you’re growing indoors or out. Use it straight from the bag with no amendments needed.
Improving In-Ground Planting Areas
Use: Garden Blend or Premium Screened Compost
If your native soil is compacted, clay-heavy, or just tired, Garden Blend is your best friend. This balanced mix of Premium Screened Compost, screened topsoil, and natural sand improves structure, drainage, and water retention all at once. It’s ideal for in-ground gardens, new planting beds, and flower borders.
For established areas that just need a nutrient boost, work 1 to 2 inches of Premium Screened Compost into the top 6 inches of soil before planting. Our premium compost is double-screened for a smooth, uniform texture and is STA-Certified by the US Composting Council for reliable quality.
Reviving Your Lawn
Use: Premium Screened Compost
Skip the synthetic fertilizers. A thin layer of compost – ¼ “- ½ “- applied in spring or fall feeds your lawn naturally by improving soil biology and structure. The fine texture of our Premium Screened Compost makes it easy to spread evenly across turf without smothering grass.
Apply and lightly rake it in so it settles to soil level. Your lawn will reward you with deeper roots and healthier growth all season long. Healthy soil = Healthy grass, so feed your soil what it needs instead of a chemical that’s just a temporary fix.
Finishing Landscape Beds or Planting Trees and Shrubs
Use: Compost Mulch or Natural Hardwood Mulch (on top) + Premium Screened Compost (in the planting hole)
When planting trees or shrubs, mix Premium Screened Compost into the backfill soil to give roots a strong start. Then protect the surface with mulch.
For landscape beds, Compost Mulch (also known as Clyde’s Pride, or as Clyde used to call it, Bad A$$ Mulch!) is a 60/40 blend of Natural Hardwood Mulch and Premium Screened Compost. Unlike traditional mulch that just sits on top, Compost Mulch actively improves your soil as it breaks down, releasing nutrients while suppressing weeds and retaining moisture. Mulch is great and all, but this is mulch with a kick!
Prefer a more traditional look? Our Natural Hardwood Mulch is 100% untreated hardwood with no dyes or additives. It’s safe for use around vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamentals, and weathers to a natural brown tone over time.
Apply either mulch 2 to 4 inches deep, keeping it a few inches away from stems and trunks.
Tackling Large-Scale or Commercial Projects
Use: BlackJack Compost
BlackJack is our most affordable bulk compost, built for landscapers, contractors, and large-scale jobs. It’s made from the same organic ingredients as our Premium Screened Compost but screened once instead of twice. You may notice some larger carbon pieces like wood fragments, but the performance stays strong.
BlackJack is well suited for large planting beds, soil rebuilding, slope stabilization, erosion control, and bioretention applications. It holds moisture, supports microbial activity, and improves soil structure at a price point that makes sense for big projects.
Meeting Custom Specs or Engineering Requirements
Use: Custom Soil Blends
We create custom soil blends tailored to your project specifications. Our team works directly with contractors, engineers, architects, and landscapers to develop mixes that meet performance standards and comply with environmental guidelines.
At the core of most blends is our Premium Screened Compost, a stable, high-performing base that supports plant health, improves drainage, and holds up in all conditions. We handpick every component to align with your specifications for consistent, long-term performance.
Ready to discuss your project? Call us at (615) 380-1090 or contact us online to review your specifications and get pricing.
Quick Reference Chart
| Your Project | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| New raised beds | SuperSoil Raised Bed Blend |
| Refreshing raised beds | SuperSoil Raised Bed Blend |
| Container planting | Pot Luck Potting Soil |
| Houseplants | Pot Luck Potting Soil |
| Seed starting | Pot Luck Potting Soil |
| In-ground vegetable areas | Garden Blend or Premium Screened Compost |
| New flower beds | Garden Blend |
| Existing flower beds | Premium Screened Compost |
| Lawn top-dressing | Premium Screened Compost |
| Tree and shrub planting | Premium Screened Compost + mulch |
| Landscape bed finishing | Compost Mulch or Natural Hardwood Mulch |
| Weed suppression | Compost Mulch or Natural Hardwood Mulch |
| Large commercial jobs | BlackJack Compost |
| Erosion control | BlackJack Compost |
| Bioretention and stormwater | BlackJack Compost or Custom Blend |
| Engineered soil specs | Custom Soil Blends |
How Much Do You Need?
One cubic yard covers:
- 162 square feet at 2 inches deep
- 108 square feet at 3 inches deep
- 81 square feet at 4 inches deep
Not sure how much to order? Measure your area’s length and width in feet, multiply to get square footage, then use our Compost Calculator to calculate your needs.
Visit Us This Spring
Our Ashland City facility is open weekdays year-round, and adding Saturdays for the season starting March 1st. We are also proud to announce our new location, Compost Company Supply in Antioch! Stop by to see products in person, talk with our team, and load up for your spring projects. Check out our newly updated website for hours, directions, and online ordering. We also deliver across Tennessee. Please see our website to place an order.
Let’s Get Started
Have questions about which compost, soil, and mulch products are right for your project? Contact The Compost Company and our team will point you in the right direction. We’re here to help Middle Tennessee homeowners, landscapers, and contractors find exactly what they need.
