We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Compost Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass, 10,000 sq. ft., 33.33 lbs.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a versatile lawn fertilizer designed for various grass types and can be used during different seasons. Its dual-action formula includes an iron supplement, which helps achieve a deep green appearance within just three days. The product's high nutrient content, including 27% nitrogen, facilitates robust grass growth.

Additionally, the inclusion of 5% iron enhances the greening process, making it particularly effective for those looking to quickly improve the aesthetics of their lawn. The product is also designed to cover a large area of up to 10,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for extensive lawns. Another practical feature is that it does not stain concrete or other hard surfaces when applied as directed.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food may not be the best fit for those specifically looking for compost-fertilizers rich in organic matter and beneficial microbes, as it primarily focuses on lawn aesthetics rather than soil health. The texture is granular, which might be less ideal for users looking for finer compost materials.

#2

Brut Organic Worm Castings – 30 Lb – Garden's Elixir for Thriving Blooms & Harvests!

Rating
9.7
Nutrient Content
Organic Matter
Texture

Most important from
5100 reviews

Nutrient Content
These castings are nutrient-dense and moist, perfect for various gardening applications like top dressing and mixing into potting soil.
Organic Matter
The product is free from additives or foreign materials, ensuring purity and effectiveness.
Texture
The richness and texture of these worm castings are unparalleled, described as 'Black Gold' by one user.
Maturity
Plants thrive after adding these worm castings, showing significant growth and producing loads of fruit.

Brut Organic Worm Castings is a high-quality option for gardeners seeking to enhance plant growth with organic fertilizers. One of its significant strengths is the nutrient-rich content, ensuring your plants receive the necessary minerals for lush and vibrant growth. Additionally, being certified organic by OMRI and CDFA assures users of its purity and adherence to organic farming standards.

The castings are produced in-house from organic materials, raised indoors, guaranteeing a controlled and clean environment, which is beneficial in maintaining high-quality organic matter and nutrients. The family-owned brand, Brut Worm Farms, emphasizes care in production, which adds a personal touch to the product's credibility and reliability.

Brut Organic Worm Castings is a solid choice for those looking to naturally boost their garden's health, especially if they prioritize organic and family-produced products.

Rating
9.7
Nutrient Content
Organic Matter
Texture

Most important from
5100 reviews

Nutrient Content
These castings are nutrient-dense and moist, perfect for various gardening applications like top dressing and mixing into potting soil.
Organic Matter
The product is free from additives or foreign materials, ensuring purity and effectiveness.
Texture
The richness and texture of these worm castings are unparalleled, described as 'Black Gold' by one user.
Maturity
Plants thrive after adding these worm castings, showing significant growth and producing loads of fruit.
#3

Wiggle Worm Castings Plus Worm Egg Material, 40-Pounds - Fertilizer for Houseplants, Vegetables, and More - OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings to Help Improve Soil Fertility and Aeration

Rating
8.2
Nutrient Content
Texture
Source Materials

Most important from
743 reviews

Nutrient Content
The worm castings are rich black with a soft, velvety texture and contain no fillers, making them extremely high quality.
Texture
The worm castings are rich black with a soft, velvety texture and contain no fillers, making them extremely high quality.
Source Materials
The presence of worm eggs introduces helpful hatchlings into the soil, boosting long-term soil health naturally.

Wiggle Worm Castings Plus Worm Egg Material is a 40-pound organic fertilizer made from pure earthworm castings combined with worm egg material. This mix boosts soil health by improving nutrient content and encouraging beneficial microbial activity, which benefits houseplants and vegetable gardens. The product has a fine granule texture that helps with soil aeration, promoting better root growth.

Being mostly pure worm castings, it contains high organic matter, which enriches soil fertility naturally. Some small debris like tiny rocks might be present, which is common in this type of product but usually doesn’t harm plants. The presence of worm eggs means the material can introduce new worms to your soil, enhancing long-term soil structure and nutrient cycling. Worm castings generally tend to be neutral to slightly acidic, making them safe for most plants.

The packaging emphasizes cost efficiency, which helps keep the price reasonable but might not provide premium protection during shipping. Hatchlings may appear after arrival, which can be beneficial for soil health but might surprise some users. This fertilizer is a strong option for gardeners seeking a natural, nutrient-rich amendment to improve plant growth and soil life, especially for those wanting to avoid synthetic chemicals. However, if a fully sifted, debris-free product or specific pH information is desired, this might be less suitable.

Rating
8.2
Nutrient Content
Texture
Source Materials

Most important from
743 reviews

Nutrient Content
The worm castings are rich black with a soft, velvety texture and contain no fillers, making them extremely high quality.
Texture
The worm castings are rich black with a soft, velvety texture and contain no fillers, making them extremely high quality.
Source Materials
The presence of worm eggs introduces helpful hatchlings into the soil, boosting long-term soil health naturally.

Buying Guide for the Best Compost Fertilizers

Choosing the right compost fertilizer can significantly impact the health and growth of your plants. Compost fertilizers are organic materials that have been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. They enrich the soil with essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance the soil's ability to retain moisture. When selecting a compost fertilizer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your gardening needs.
Nutrient ContentNutrient content refers to the levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) present in the compost fertilizer. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium enhances overall plant health. Compost fertilizers are often labeled with an N-P-K ratio, such as 5-3-2. For leafy vegetables, a higher nitrogen content is beneficial, while flowering plants may require more phosphorus. Assess your plant's needs to determine the appropriate nutrient balance.
Organic MatterOrganic matter in compost fertilizer is the decomposed plant and animal residues that improve soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. High organic matter content is important for enhancing soil fertility and health. Compost fertilizers with higher organic matter content are ideal for improving poor soils and supporting long-term soil health. If your soil is already rich in organic matter, you might opt for a compost with a balanced or lower organic matter content.
pH LevelThe pH level of compost fertilizer indicates its acidity or alkalinity, which can affect nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Compost fertilizers typically have a neutral pH, but it's important to check if you have specific plants with particular pH requirements. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, choose a compost that can help balance the pH to the desired level for your plants.
TextureThe texture of compost fertilizer refers to its particle size and consistency. Fine-textured compost is well-decomposed and easy to mix into the soil, making it suitable for seed starting and top dressing. Coarse-textured compost contains larger particles and is better for improving soil structure and aeration. Choose a texture that matches your gardening application. For example, fine compost is ideal for potting mixes, while coarse compost is better for garden beds and landscaping.
Source MaterialsSource materials are the original organic materials used to create the compost fertilizer, such as plant residues, animal manure, or food waste. The source materials can influence the nutrient content and quality of the compost. Compost made from diverse sources tends to have a more balanced nutrient profile. If you prefer a specific type of compost, such as vegan compost (plant-based) or manure-based compost, consider the source materials listed on the product. Choose a compost that aligns with your gardening philosophy and plant needs.
MaturityMaturity refers to the degree of decomposition of the compost fertilizer. Mature compost is fully decomposed, dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. It is safe to use directly on plants without the risk of burning them. Immature compost may still be decomposing and can harm plants if applied too soon. Always opt for mature compost to ensure it provides immediate benefits to your soil and plants. Check for signs of maturity, such as a uniform texture and absence of recognizable organic materials.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now