The most common sources for compost
You can get compost from garden centers, home improvement stores, landscape supply yards, and online retailers. Most people find what they need at one of these four places, though local options vary by region. The choice depends on how much you need, whether you want to pick it up or have it delivered, and your budget.
Garden centers and home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe's stock bagged compost year-round in their garden sections. Bags typically hold 1 to 2 cubic feet and cost between $3 and $8 per bag. This route works well if you need a small amount for containers or raised beds, but buying enough for a large yard gets expensive and requires many trips to load your car.
Landscape supply yards sell compost by the cubic yard, usually in bulk. A cubic yard costs $30 to $60 depending on the region and compost type. They will load it into your truck or trailer, or deliver it for an additional fee—typically $50 to $150 depending on distance. This is the most economical choice for filling large garden beds or amending a whole lawn.
Key Takeaways
- Bagged compost from garden centers works for small projects but costs more per volume than bulk compost from landscape suppliers.
- Landscape supply yards sell by the cubic yard and often deliver, making them the cheapest option for large quantities.
- Municipal compost programs and free sources like leaf collection sites can provide compost at no cost if you are willing to pick it up yourself.
- Online retailers deliver bagged compost to your door, but shipping costs make this option expensive unless you live near a warehouse.
- Compost quality varies—check the source material and whether it is finished (dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling) before buying.
Bulk compost from landscape suppliers
Landscape supply yards are the best source if you need more than a few bags. Search online for "landscape supply" or "mulch and compost delivery" plus your city name. Call ahead to confirm they have compost in stock, ask about delivery fees, and find out whether they can deliver to your address. Some yards have minimum orders—often one cubic yard—so confirm that matches your needs.
When you order, specify whether you want finished compost (ready to use when ready) or partially finished material (which may still be warm and settling). Finished compost is darker, crumbly, and smells like soil. Ask what the compost is made from—yard waste, food scraps, or a mix—because some materials break down faster and contain fewer weed seeds than others.
Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. The truck will dump the pile in your driveway or yard, so make sure you have a clear, level spot and know where you want it before the driver arrives. You will need a shovel and wheelbarrow to move it to your garden beds.
Free and low-cost compost from your city
Many cities run compost programs that give away finished compost to residents. Check your city or county website for "free compost" or "compost giveaway." Some programs operate year-round at a central location; others run seasonal events in spring or fall. You typically bring your own containers or bags and load the compost yourself.
Some cities collect leaves in fall and let residents pick up the finished leaf compost the following spring. A few municipalities even deliver small amounts free to residents who request it. Call your local public works or parks department to ask what your area offers.
The downside is that free programs often have limited hours, run out of stock, or require you to live within city limits. But if your city has a program, this is the cheapest way to get large quantities.
Bagged compost from retail stores
Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and local garden centers all carry bagged compost. Bags are usually labeled by volume (1 cubic foot, 2 cubic feet) and sometimes by type—"garden compost," "potting compost," or "mushroom compost." Read the label to see what the compost is made from and whether it contains added nutrients or amendments.
Bagged compost is convenient because you can buy exactly what you need and take it home when ready. It works well for container gardens, small raised beds, or mixing into existing soil. The trade-off is cost: one cubic yard of bulk compost costs $30 to $60, but the same volume in bags costs $60 to $150 or more.
Check the bag for signs of mold, insects, or a sour smell before buying. Good compost should smell earthy and crumbly, not ammonia-like or wet. Bags that have been sitting in the sun may have dried out; squeeze one gently to check moisture.
Online retailers and mail delivery
Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty garden retailers ship bagged compost, but shipping costs are high because compost is heavy. A 2-cubic-foot bag might cost $5 to $8, but shipping can add $15 to $30 or more. This option makes sense only if you live far from garden centers, need a specialty compost (like coconut coir or worm castings), or want to combine it with other online orders to spread the shipping cost.
Read reviews before ordering to check whether the compost arrived dry and in good condition. Some retailers offer compost in smaller, lighter bags specifically for shipping, which reduces the cost but also means you need more bags for the same volume.
Compost from farmers markets and local growers
Some farmers and gardeners sell homemade compost at farmers markets or through local gardening groups. Quality and price vary widely. Ask the seller what materials went into the compost, how long it has been finished, and whether it has been tested for contaminants. Homemade compost can be excellent, but it is less regulated than commercial products.
You can also find compost through community gardening networks, gardening clubs, or neighborhood social media groups. Some gardeners have excess compost from their own bins and are happy to give it away or sell it cheaply. This is a good way to build local connections and often the cheapest option if you find someone nearby.
What to look for when buying compost
Finished compost should be dark brown or black, crumbly, and smell like soil or forest floor. If it smells like ammonia, vinegar, or rotten eggs, it is not finished and will tie up nitrogen in your soil as it breaks down further. Avoid compost that is wet and clumpy or that contains visible chunks of wood, plastic, or metal.
Check the label for the source material. Compost made from yard waste and food scraps is fine for most gardens. Mushroom compost (a byproduct of mushroom farming) is also good but may contain salt, so rinse it or use it sparingly if you have salt-sensitive plants. Avoid compost made from treated wood or diseased plant material.
If you are buying in bulk, ask whether the supplier can tell you the age of the pile and whether it has been screened to remove large pieces. Screened compost is more uniform and easier to spread, but unscreened compost is often cheaper and works just as well once it settles in your beds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compost do I need?
For a garden bed, spread 2 to 4 inches of compost over the area and mix it into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Measure your bed length and width in feet, multiply them together, then divide by 324 to get the cubic yards needed. For example, a 10-by-20-foot bed with 3 inches of compost needs about 2 cubic yards.
Can I use compost straight from the bag or pile?
Yes, finished compost is ready to use when ready. If the compost is still warm or has a strong smell, it is still breaking down and may tie up nitrogen temporarily, but it will not harm your plants. Let it cool and age for a week or two if you are concerned, or use it as a mulch layer on top of soil rather than mixing it in.
What is the difference between compost and potting soil?
Compost is decomposed organic matter and improves soil structure and nutrients. Potting soil is a lightweight mix designed for containers and usually contains compost, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite. Use compost to amend garden beds and potting soil for pots and containers.
Is bagged compost as good as bulk compost?
Quality depends on the brand and source, not the package size. Some bagged composts are excellent; others are mostly filler. Read the label and check reviews. Bulk compost from a reputable landscape supplier is often cheaper per volume, but bagged compost is more convenient for small projects.
Can I make my own compost instead of buying it?
Yes. Home composting takes three months to two years depending on your method and climate. You can compost yard waste, food scraps, and paper in a bin or pile. This is free but requires space, effort, and patience. Many people buy compost while they are starting their own pile.