How to Use Compost in Pots and Vertical Gardens

If you’ve already started composting at home, congratulations! Turning food scraps into fertilizer is a simple but powerful habit that benefits not only your plants but also the environment. However, many people stop there: the compost bin produces nutrient-rich compost… and then what? How do you use this natural treasure the right way?

Knowing how to use compost in pots, vertical gardens and hanging planters makes all the difference in how your plants grow. After all, compact spaces like these need specific care so you get the most out of your compost, without overloading plants with nutrients or wasting it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to use homemade compost efficiently, step by step, with practical tips for people who grow plants in small spaces. Whether in an apartment, on a balcony or in a corner of the kitchen, your plants deserve the best nature has to offer, and you’ll learn exactly how to give it to them.

What is homemade compost?

Homemade compost is the material that results from breaking down food scraps, and it comes in two forms: solid compost, or humus, a dark, loose soil with no bad smell, and leachate, a nutrient-rich liquid that must be diluted in water, usually at a ratio of 1 to 10, before it goes on your plants.

Before getting your hands in the dirt, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re taking out of your compost bin. Many people are surprised to learn that it doesn’t produce just one thing: it can come in solid or liquid form, and each type has its own characteristics.

Solid compost, often called humus, is the result of food scraps fully breaking down. It looks like dark, loose soil with no bad smell. Rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, it’s excellent for improving soil structure, holding moisture and feeding plants gradually.

Compost leachate, unlike the foul liquid that comes from garbage, is a liquid by-product full of nutrients, especially if the compost bin is a dry type (with no meat or fat). When diluted correctly (usually 1 part leachate to 10 parts water), it becomes a powerful liquid fertilizer for watering or spraying, great for giving your plants a boost.

The most interesting part? Both solid and liquid compost are ideal for compact spaces like pots, vertical gardens and hanging planters. Because these containers have less soil, every spoonful of compost counts, a lot! Using it correctly means healthier plants, with greener leaves, stronger roots and, for vegetables, even more flavor.

Now that you know what comes out of your compost bin, it’s time to learn how to use it in the best way.

How do you prepare compost before using it?

To prepare your compost, check that it’s dark, loose and smells like a damp forest, with no pieces of food; if it isn’t, let the compost bin rest for 2 to 4 weeks. Then sift the solid compost for small pots and dilute each part of leachate in 10 parts water.

Now that you know how valuable homemade compost is, here comes the essential part: preparing it carefully before adding it to your pots or hanging gardens. After all, compost needs to be just right to help your plants, not harm them.

How do you know if compost is ready?

Solid compost, also called humus, should be dark, have a soil-like texture and smell like a damp forest (yes, that lovely smell of living nature). If you can still see recognizable pieces of food or it has a strong odor, it needs more time to mature. One tip is to let your compost bin “rest” for 2 to 4 weeks after the last scraps were added. This helps microorganisms finish breaking everything down.

If the process is taking too long, check out these tricks to speed up composting without bad smells. And if a strong smell persists, it’s worth reviewing the common apartment composting mistakes.

Sift or dilute?

If you’re going to use compost in small pots, vertical gardens or hanging planters, sifting the solid compost is a good idea. It removes larger pieces and gives you a finer texture that’s easy to mix into potting soil. Leachate (the liquid), on the other hand, needs to be diluted in water before you use it. The most common rule is 1 part leachate to 10 parts water. That way, you avoid burning plant roots with too many nutrients.

How do you store it until you use it?

If you’re not going to use the compost right away, store the humus in a container with a lid, in a dry, airy place. It can keep for weeks, as long as it’s away from moisture and direct sunlight. Leachate should be kept in dark, tightly sealed plastic bottles, ideally in a cool place, clearly labeled. Oh! And always write down the date you collected it so it doesn’t sit too long.

Preparing your compost carefully is the first step toward using it efficiently and safely. With this care, your plants will thank you, and you’ll see the difference in shinier leaves and stronger shoots!

How do you use compost in pots?

To use compost in pots, add small amounts of solid compost every 30 to 45 days, in holes near the edge of the pot, away from the stem, and cover them with soil. In small pots, up to about half a gallon (2 liters), use 1 tablespoon. Diluted leachate can be added every 2 weeks when you water.

It’s time to get your hands dirty, literally! Using compost in pots is one of the most practical and effective ways to make the most of all the nutrients you’ve produced. But to make sure your plants get the full benefit (without overdoing it), follow a few simple guidelines.

How often should you add compost?

Less is more, especially in small spaces like pots. The general recommendation is to add solid compost every 30 to 45 days, in small amounts. Liquid fertilizer (diluted leachate) can be used more often, every 2 weeks, as a boost when you water.

How much compost should you use?

Here’s an easy rule to remember:

Small pots (up to about half a gallon / 2 liters): 1 tablespoon of solid compost;
Medium pots (half a gallon to about 1.3 gallons / 2 to 5 liters): 2 to 3 tablespoons;
Large pots (over 1.3 gallons / 5 liters): 1 to 2 handfuls (depending on the plant and the amount of soil).

For diluted leachate, use about half a cup (100 ml) per small pot, increasing proportionally for bigger pots.

How do you add compost without harming the roots?

The secret is to be gentle. Make small holes near the edge of the pot, away from the plant’s stem, and place the solid compost in them. Then cover with a little soil and water as usual. This avoids direct contact with the most sensitive roots. Diluted leachate can be applied as a nourishing watering, directly on the soil or sprayed on the leaves (depending on the plant).

Extra tips by type of plant

Flowers: feed them more sparingly. Too many nutrients can boost leaves but not flowers. Diluted leachate is the better choice.
Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary): they love well-fed soil, but not soggy soil. One tablespoon of compost per month is usually enough.
Leafy greens (lettuce, arugula, chives): because they grow fast, they need more nutrients. Feed them diluted leachate every 2 weeks and add solid compost once a month.

Used correctly, your pots will become true green oases, all with natural fertilizer you made yourself, in nature’s perfect cycle.

How do you use compost in vertical gardens?

In vertical gardens, mix compost into the potting mix: about 30% solid compost to 70% garden soil or light potting mix when you set up or refresh the garden. To keep nutrients up, if the structure allows, spread a thin layer of compost over the soil every 20 to 30 days and water as usual.

Growing a vertical garden is like working magic with little space: you turn walls and forgotten corners into real edible gardens. But as charming as it is, this kind of growing has its challenges, especially when it comes to using compost.

Challenges with space, drainage and support

The first thing to keep in mind is that vertical gardens have less room for roots to spread. That means the available soil needs to be as nutritious as possible, without overdoing it. Drainage is another important point: excess water can drain away easily, taking nutrients with it. And since everything is hanging or mounted, it’s essential that the compost isn’t too heavy and doesn’t loosen over time.

If you want more control over watering, a drip irrigation system can help keep moisture even in a vertical garden.

The ideal mix to keep nutrients in

The secret is a balanced mix of potting soil and compost. When you set up or refresh your vertical garden, mix about 30% solid compost with 70% garden soil or light potting mix. This gives you nutritious but still airy soil, which is essential for vertical gardens, since they dry out faster than pots on the ground.

If you’re still building the structure, reused wooden pallets and plastic bottles are two popular, low-cost options for apartment vertical gardens.

Top dressing: an efficient trick

If your garden’s structure allows, top dressing is a great technique. Here’s how it works: spread a thin layer of compost over the soil every 20 to 30 days. Then water as usual. This method avoids direct contact with roots and lets nutrients soak in gradually. It also helps hold moisture, working almost like an organic mulch.

Plants that love compost in vertical gardens

Not all plants respond the same way, but some benefit a lot from compost in vertical gardens:

Light leafy greens like lettuce, arugula and watercress grow greener and more vigorous.
Herbs like parsley, chives and cilantro gain more flavor and aroma.
Strawberry plants in vertical structures also benefit greatly from compost, producing sweeter, showier fruit.

With a little attention and care, your vertical garden can become a real show of life, color and flavor, all fed by 100% natural fertilizer you made yourself.

How do you use compost in hanging planters?

In hanging planters, the most practical way to use compost is diluted leachate, applied with a watering can or spray bottle every 2 weeks when you water. Solid compost can also be used, carefully: mix it into the potting soil at planting time or add a monthly top dressing of about 1 tablespoon per plant, so the planter doesn’t get too heavy.

Hanging planters have a charm all their own! Besides elegantly decorating balconies and walls, they let you grow flowers, herbs and even vegetables where there used to be nothing but a wall. But because they hang, they need special attention when it comes to feeding, especially with homemade compost.

Liquid or solid compost: when to use each one?

Here’s a golden tip: in hanging planters, liquid fertilizer (diluted leachate) is the most practical and safest option for everyday use. You can apply it with a watering can or spray bottle, reaching the roots without weighing down the planter. It’s perfect for keeping the soil nourished lightly and consistently, especially for fast-growing plants.

Solid compost (humus) can also be used, but more carefully. It’s best to mix it into the potting soil at planting time or add small top dressings, to avoid extra weight and keep the soil balanced.

Watch the weight and moisture

Because these planters hang, everything counts: the weight of the soil, the plant, the water and… the compost too! Overdoing it can make the support unstable or even loosen the fixtures. So always use the minimum needed and choose lighter potting mixes (like blends with coconut coir or perlite).

Also keep an eye on water retention. Planters are usually shallower, which means they hold more moisture when compost isn’t well mixed in. So always follow solid compost with a light loosening of the soil, without damaging the roots, to keep everything well aerated.

How often should you feed them?

Liquid fertilizer (diluted): every 2 weeks, when you water.
Solid compost (as a top dressing): once a month, in small amounts (1 tablespoon per plant is usually enough, depending on its size).

With these steps, your planters will bloom and thrive with much more strength, and the best part: fed with natural fertilizer you made yourself. It’s like giving back to nature what it gives us, with beauty and balance.

How do you use compost without waste?

To use compost without waste, apply a little at a time, regularly: small, consistent doses work better than a large amount all at once, which can cause salt buildup and attract bugs. Also make use of diluted leachate as a liquid fertilizer, and combine feeding with the right amount of water, pruning and natural light.

After all that care with composting, it’s only fair to make the most of every bit of this powerful fertilizer, right? To make sure your plants really reap the benefits of this natural nutrition, follow a few simple tips that make all the difference.

Avoid waste

Excitement about using compost can lead to the most common mistake: using too much. Remember that, especially in pots, vertical gardens and hanging planters, space is limited and roots are sensitive. Too much fertilizer can “smother” the plant, cause salt buildup and even attract unwanted bugs. The golden rule is: less, but regularly. Small amounts applied consistently work much better than an occasional overload.

Leachate: from “waste” to liquid fertilizer

That dark liquid draining from your compost bin may look scary at first, but when used well, it becomes a real elixir for plants. Just dilute it, usually 1 part leachate to 10 parts water, and use it as a liquid fertilizer. You can apply it to the soil when watering or spray it directly on the leaves (when the sun isn’t strong). Just remember to strain it well first, so it doesn’t clog your watering can or spray bottle.

Plus, reusing it this way avoids improper disposal and closes the composting cycle perfectly!

Combine compost with other essential care

Homemade compost is a superfood for your plants, but on its own, it can’t work miracles. To see your seedlings grow strong and healthy, combine feeding with other care, such as:

The right amount of water: not too much, not too little. The soil should be moist, but never soggy.
Regular pruning: removing dry leaves or old stems helps the plant direct energy to new growth.
Natural light: each plant has its own sun needs. Keep an eye on them and move pots when needed.

When all this care comes together, the results are amazing. And the best part: you make the most of what nature gave back to you through composting, without waste and with lots of love.

Is homemade compost worth using in small spaces?

Yes. In pots, vertical gardens and hanging planters, where there’s little soil, homemade compost used in the right amount helps make plants healthier, with greener leaves and stronger roots. It also closes the composting cycle at home, turning food scraps into natural nutrition for your green corner.

Caring for plants is more than a hobby: it’s a way of connecting with life, with the earth and with our own rhythm. And when you use homemade compost, that relationship becomes even more special: you close a natural cycle, turn waste into nutrition and see with your own eyes how generously nature gives back.

More than a technique, composting is a sustainable, affordable and rewarding lifestyle. Every reused peel, every mindful watering, every new sprout in your green corner is a reminder that small actions build big changes.

Now, how about putting it all into practice? Try using the compost you made yourself and watch the transformation happen: greener leaves, brighter flowers, more intense flavors, and that wonderful feeling of caring for the planet while caring for yourself.

Your plants will thank you. And so will nature.

Still need a compost bin? Start with our complete guide to apartment composting.

FAQ: using homemade compost

How do you dilute compost leachate?

The most common ratio is 1 part leachate to 10 parts water. For example, about half a cup (100 ml) of leachate to 1 quart (1 liter) of water. Strain the liquid before using it, so it doesn’t clog your watering can or spray bottle, and apply it to the soil when watering or to the leaves when the sun isn’t strong.

How often should you feed potted plants with compost?

For pots, the general recommendation is to add solid compost every 30 to 45 days, always in small amounts. Diluted leachate can be used more often, every 2 weeks, as a boost when watering. Leafy greens like lettuce and arugula need diluted leachate every 2 weeks and solid compost once a month.

How much compost should you put in a small pot?

For small pots, up to about half a gallon (2 liters), 1 tablespoon of solid compost is enough. In medium pots, from half a gallon to about 1.3 gallons (2 to 5 liters), use 2 to 3 tablespoons, and in large pots, over 1.3 gallons (5 liters), 1 to 2 handfuls. For diluted leachate, use about half a cup (100 ml) per small pot.

Can you put compost directly on a plant?

It’s best not to place compost right against the stem or roots. The safest way is to make small holes near the edge of the pot, away from the stem, place the solid compost in them, cover with a little soil and water. Leachate always needs to be diluted in water before it goes on a plant.

How do you know if your compost is ready?

Compost is ready when it’s dark, has a soil-like texture and smells like a damp forest. If you can still see recognizable pieces of food or it has a strong odor, it needs more time. One tip is to let the compost bin rest for 2 to 4 weeks after the last scraps were added.

Can compost leachate burn plants?

It can, if used undiluted or in excess. Leachate is rich in nutrients and, without dilution, too much can burn the roots. So always dilute 1 part leachate in 10 parts water and apply it in small doses, every 2 weeks, to the soil or to the leaves when the sun isn’t strong.

How do you store compost until you use it?

Store humus in a container with a lid, in a dry, airy place away from direct sunlight; that way, it can keep for weeks. Leachate should be kept in dark, tightly sealed plastic bottles, ideally in a cool place, clearly labeled. Always write down the collection date so the compost doesn’t sit too long.