What is Russian Compost?

I have read a gardening magazine in which it tells you to plant Sweet peas in the winter covered with "Russian Compost"


I have never heard of it!

What is Russian Compost?
"Russian compost" is similar to trench composting where the fresh vegetable material is buried in a hole or in a trench. I think that the theory that they are working with is that the decomposing plant material will generate heat and that will encourage plant growth by warming the soil sooner in the spring. What the heck, it's worth a try. Just remember that the seeds are planted over the compost deposits, not under them.





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Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!
Reply:If my guess is right, it's the making a cold frame, and then putting "fresh" compost down as the bottom layer - compost that is not complete, and still generating heat from decomposition. Then you put 6 inches of soil on top, and plant in that. The heat from the compost will help the plants grow sooner than if you wait for spring to come.





This will work where there are mild-ish winters. It won't be able to compete with a deep, sustained, freeze.





Look up your source again - it shouldn't say to put the compost on TOP - but underneath.
Reply:Cat got it right, it goes under what you plant to heat the soil and is usually a little 'hot', or high in greens. Ive experimented with fresh cow manure and had good results. RScott