Soil Boosters: What’s the Difference?

Not all composts and fertilizers are the same, and buying the “wrong” bag isn’t a disaster, but it can be disappointing.

Some products build soil structure, some feed plants, and some do a bit of both. The best choice depends on what you’re working on (garden beds, lawn, containers, raised beds) and what you want to fix (poor soil, low nutrients, weak growth).

Here’s a quick, practical guide to help you choose.

First, the simple rule

Composts = improve the soil.
They add organic matter, help with texture, and support soil life over time.

Fertilizers = feed the plant.
They deliver nutrients (often faster), but they don’t automatically improve soil structure.

Some “soil boosters” are a blend of both, so you’ll see overlap.

Mushroom Compost

Best for: improving soil texture + adding organic matter
What it does: helps loosen heavy soil, improve moisture retention, and add gentle nutrition.
Great for: garden beds, lawns, top-dressing tired soil, mixing into existing beds.

Heads-up: Mushroom compost can be higher in salts depending on the source. Avoid heavy use for salt-sensitive seedlings or small containers. When in doubt, use it in garden beds and mix it in.

Product example: C-I-L BIOMAX™ Mushroom Compost 25L

Chicken Manure & Fertilizer (ex: 5-3-2)

Best for: a plant growth “push” (more nutrients)
What it does: typically higher in nitrogen, great for greening up and building growth.
Great for: vegetable gardens (once incorporated), hungry plants, spring prep.

Heads-up: This is a fertilizer, so too much can burn plants. Use as directed, keep it off stems/leaves, and water in well.

Product example: Acti-Sol All Purpose 5-3-2 Chicken Manure & Fertilizer

Organic Worm Castings

Best for: gentle, premium soil builder + root support
What it does: improves soil life and structure, and provides mild, steady nutrition (think “slow and steady”).
Great for: houseplants, seedlings, transplants, containers, veggie beds.

How to use: mix into soil or top-dress around plants.

Product example: Pure Life Organic Worm Castings 12kg

Organic Compost with Peat & Bark

Best for: rebuilding beds + improving structure over time
What it does: a balanced organic amendment that adds organic matter and helps with moisture management and soil texture.
Great for: raised beds, garden beds, around shrubs/trees, general soil improvement.

Product example: Fafard BIOFOR® Compost w/ Peat & Bark (Organic) 25L

Compost with Peat, Seaweed & Shrimp

Best for: soil enrichment + natural micronutrients
What it does: compost base plus seaweed/shrimp inputs for added trace nutrients and plant-supporting compounds.
Great for: vegetable gardens, flower beds, and anywhere you want a richer boost while still improving soil.

Product example: Biosol Sea Compost with Peat, Seaweed & Shrimp 25L

Natural Chicken Manure + Frass Fertilizer

Best for: fast + effective organic feeding
What it does: combines chicken manure with insect frass (a natural fertilizer that supports soil biology and steady feeding).
Great for: veggies, annuals, containers, and mid-season top-ups.

Heads-up: Still a fertilizer, so follow rates to avoid overfeeding.

Product example: All-Purpose Natural Chicken Manure and Frass Fertilizer Acti PRO 4-2.5-2.8

Quick “What should I buy?” guide

If you’re standing in the aisle and want the fastest answer:

• My soil is heavy/clay and tough to work with: Mushroom Compost

• I want better soil long-term (beds/raised beds): Organic Compost with Peat & Bark

• I want the richest all-around soil boost for veggies/flowers: Compost with Seaweed & Shrimp

• I’m starting seedlings or doing transplants/houseplants: Worm Castings

• My plants need a nutrient boost now: Chicken Manure/Fertilizer or Manure + Frass

Ready to boost your soil?

Shop soil boosters, composts, worm castings, and fertilizers here: https://www.ritchiefeed.com