Why Plate to Garden?
The MNCC 's Plate to Garden program allows local organizations easy access to the resources necessary to encourage compost use in their communities. The Plate to Garden program allows groups to get outside, get their hands dirty and raise money for their organization, all while promoting compost! Since its creation in 2015, businesses, churches, and community organizations have repeatedly taken advantage of the many resources the MNCC has to host multiple successful Plate to Garden events.

Click to learn more about the Plate to Garden Program

Tips on how to use your compost:

​VEGETABLE GARDEN:
If you use a rototiller, apply up to one inch of compost on top of the soil and till it to a depth of five inches of soil.

If you are using a shovel to turn your garden, measure the depth of the shovel blade and calculate the depth of the compost needed to accommodate the depth of the shovel blade. Using one-fifth of an inch of compost for every inch of depth of the shovel.
​FLOWER GARDEN:
Create a soil compost blend that is 20 percent compost. Mix four parts soil with one part compost. You may also top dress perennial flower gardens with no greater than 1/4 to 1/2 inch of compost.
​POTTED PLANTS:
Mix up to 50% compost with 50% potting soil mix for potting plants, or add 1/4 - 1/2 inch on top of already potted plants. 

A 20 to 50 percent soil blend would be the best mixture to use for pots on a deck or patio, since potted plants tend to dry out quickly. A higher percentage of compost helps hold more moisture, decreasing the rate at which the soil dries out. For instance, if you have clay pots that wick moisture more easily, use a higher percentage compost to soil blend.
ESTABLISHED LAWNS:
Top dress lawn with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of compost and rake into grass. For best results, aerate your lawn before applying compost and apply in the Fall and in the Spring.
SEEDING NEW LAWNS:
Apply 1 to 2 1/2 inches of compost to surface and till well into the top 6 inches of soil. Then apply seed and rake into surface.
ESTABLISHED TREES AND SHRUBS:
Top-dress with compost to a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the base of the tree out to the drip line.
NEW TREES AND SHRUBS:
A soil mix for this use should be around 10 percent. To obtain a 10 percent mixture, you should mix 9 parts soil to 1 part compost.
Ideas to Reuse Your Burlap Compost Bag
  1. Use to cover plants to protect them from frost.
  2. Save the bag and reuse to get compost next year.
  3. Rinse and use to store onions and potatoes.
  4. Use small pieces to cover drainage holes in potted plants before adding soil.
  5. Use the burlap bag as a grow sack for carrots, onions, potatoes, and more. Just roll the edge, fill with dirt and plant.
  6. Use the burlap cloth to line wire baskets or window boxes rather than expensive coco liners.
  7. Clean the bag, fill with stuffing and stitch the edge for a rustic dog bed or cushion.
  8. And any more ideas that you might come up with!
Help Support Events Like These
in Your Community
Donate to or Join the Minnesota Composting Council today!
The Minnesota Composting Council (MNCC) was founded in 2012 and is made up of volunteer board members. Each member brings a different perspective to the table, ranging from a compost operations standpoint to greater Minnesota government. Together, MNCC board members work to promote and further develop the composting while educating a variety of audiences about compost and everything it entails. Your support allows the MNCC to expand their efforts on their mission.

The MNCC thanks you for your support.
Useful Compost Links
Cick images to learn more

Prevent Wasted Food

Up to 40% of food produced goes uneaten. Learn how you can prevent food waste and save money.

Backyard Composting

You can start your own compost pile at home. There are plenty of resources to get you started.

Residential Organics
& Drop-off Programs

Access to organics recycling is expanding throughout MN. Check what services are offered in your area. 

Compostable Items

Give some thought before you toss. Check to see if your items are compostable.