Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Cow Manure Compost (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re looking to give your garden that rich, earthy boost only real compost can provide, you’ve probably heard buzz about Maine’s famous Coast of Maine cow manure compost. But is it really the best? We dug into the bags—literally—to compare its nutrient content, texture, smell, and overall performance against top rivals. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, flowers, or a lush lawn, we’ll help you decide which compost earns its place in your soil. Let’s find out what makes one bag stand out from the rest.
- Best for seafood boost: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Quoddy Blend Lobster & Crab Compost Blend – Premium Soil Amendment w/Composted Manure
- Best for n-p boost: Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil
- Best for odorless organic: Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost
- Best for balanced forest blend: Espoma Organic Cow Manure Compost Blend – 1 Cubic Foot Bag. Soil Amendment & Fertilizer for use When Planting Vegetables
- Best for starter garden boost: Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil
- Best for tomato-ready soil: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure
- Best for premium grow compost: Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost
- Best for bulk compost classic: Black Kow Composted Cow Manure 35 lb Bag
- Best for in-ground enrichment: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil – Multi-Use In Ground Garden Soil with Compost & Sphagnum Peat Moss – Annual & Perennial Flower Beds
- Best for raised-bed mix: Coast of Maine Raised Bed Soil Mix
Product Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Cow Manure Compost
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Quoddy Blend Lobster & Crab Compost Blend – Premium Soil Amendment w/Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss, Lobster & Crab Shell Meal – Enhanced Drainage (1 cu ft)
- PREMIUM ORGANIC SEAFOOD COMPOST: Crafted from chitin and calcium-rich lobster shells, composted cow manure, sphagnum peat moss, and composted bark, this nutrient-dense blend enriches your garden soil for healthier plant growth.
- IMPROVES SOIL STRUCTURE: Incorporating Quoddy Blend Lobster & Crab organic compost for plants in your garden enhances water retention, drainage, and aeration, creating an optimal environment for robust root development in vegetables, flowers, and foliage.
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: Ideal for maintaining gardens, beds, and borders, this precisely balanced formulation supports the vigorous growth of a wide variety of plants, trees, and shrubs.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, Quoddy Blend reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for enriching garden soil.Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil, Flowers, Potted Plants, Raised Beds, and Compost Tea, (8 qt)
- Provide moisture-holding capacity to sandy soils. Black Kow cow manure holds water and nutrients in the soil around the roots. The roots can use the water and nutrients when needed instead of letting the nutrients leach through the soil
- Provide aeration and moisture-holding capacity to hard, clay-type soils. Black Kow cow manure helps break up those soils so that water and nutrients are available to the plant when needed.
- Give your plant’s roots the optimum environment in which to get started. Black Kow cow manure contains millions of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria convert nitrogen and other nutrients into an easily available form for the plant. It is organic and contains nutrients that are released slowly without burning tender roots. These nutrients and moisture are held in the soil around the roots until the plant needs them
Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost, Additive-Free Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens, Flowers, Lawns & Indoor Plants – 10 Quart
- NUTRIENT-RICH GROWTH: Premium cow manure compost packed with nitrogen, calcium, and iron. This organic compost fertilizer enriches soil, boosts microbial life, and supports bigger vegetables, greener lawns, and thriving flowers.
- PURE COMPOSTED COW MANURE: Made only from thoroughly composted cow manure, carefully aerated and tested for safety. No additives, just pure organic manure for plants. Finely sifted texture makes it ideal compost soil for indoor and outdoor gardening.
- NO ODOR, NO BURNS: Brut is odor-free and safe for all plants. Gentle on roots, eliminating the risk of plant burn. A trusted compost for plants, seedlings, houseplants, and delicate blooms indoors or outdoors.
- VERSATILE SOIL AMENDMENT: Perfect for potted plants, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. Use as a top dressing, mix into compost soil for outdoor plants, or enrich organic soil for garden beds. Works as garden compost and manure fertilizer for plant growth.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our Cow Compost is OMRI listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
Espoma Organic Cow Manure Compost Blend – 1 Cubic Foot Bag. Soil Amendment & Fertilizer for use When Planting Vegetables, Flowers, Trees & Shrubs.
- CONTAINS – Dehydrated cow manure with aged forest produts that help improve poor soil conditions and promote better plant growth
- ALL NATURAL- Organic blend for everything you grow – from vegetables & flowers to trees & shrubs
- FEEDS: Provides all three major plant nutrients; 0.5-0.5-0.5 fertilizer analysis
- IMPROVES – the soil’s moisture holding capacity and aeration
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company. The leader in natural organics since 1929
Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil, Flowers, Potted Plants, Raised Beds, and Compost Tea, 4 Pounds
- If you’re struggling to start your garden and grow your own vegetables and flowers, this bag of composted cow manure has your back
- Made of composted cow manure: organic and has nutrients that are gradually released, ensuring it doesn’t burn tender roots
- You can also add this compost to flower and vegetable garden beds to improve growth and enjoy strong, healthy plants
- Rest easy knowing that your blooming garden is taken care of, with the cow manure fertilizer providing moisture-holding properties on sandy soil
- This composted cow manure will break up the soil to ensure that water and nutrients are available to the plant when needed
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss for Multi Use Ground & Containers – Enhanced Drainage (20 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend provides a lightweight potting mix that supports abundant growth of tomatoes and vegetables.
- VERSATILE VEGETABLE SOIL: Coast of Maine Organic Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is used when seeding, transplanting or topping off your in-ground vegetable garden or your indoor and outdoor potted containers.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Planting Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is formulated to balance moisture retention and drainage, making it perfect for both in-ground and container planting.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for annuals reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost, Additive-Free Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens, Flowers, Lawns & Indoor Plants – 30 Quart
- NUTRIENT-RICH GROWTH: Premium cow manure compost packed with nitrogen, calcium, and iron. This organic compost fertilizer enriches soil, boosts microbial life, and supports bigger vegetables, greener lawns, and thriving flowers.
- PURE COMPOSTED COW MANURE: Made only from thoroughly composted cow manure, carefully aerated and tested for safety. No additives, just pure organic manure for plants. Finely sifted texture makes it ideal compost soil for indoor and outdoor gardening.
- NO ODOR, NO BURNS: Brut is odor-free and safe for all plants. Gentle on roots, eliminating the risk of plant burn. A trusted compost for plants, seedlings, houseplants, and delicate blooms indoors or outdoors.
- VERSATILE SOIL AMENDMENT: Perfect for potted plants, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. Use as a top dressing, mix into compost soil for outdoor plants, or enrich organic soil for garden beds. Works as garden compost and manure fertilizer for plant growth.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our Cow Compost is OMRI listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil – Multi-Use In Ground Garden Soil with Compost & Sphagnum Peat Moss – Annual & Perennial Flower Beds, or Lawn Care (2 cu ft)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Cobstock Blend In-Ground Garden Soil is formulated with sphagnum peat moss, compost, and aged bark to deliver robust, nutrient-rich soil for healthy plant growth in lawns and in-ground garden beds.
- VERSATILE: Mix into sandy, compacted, or clay soils to improve soil quality or top-dress established beds to reduce weeds and enrich nutrients. It’s also ideal for new plants— simply blend with native soil, water well, and support healthy root growth.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH: Our dynamic blend of ingredients provides excellent water retention, aeration, and drainage, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- MULTI USE SOIL: The Cobstock Blend In-Ground Garden Soil is the ideal living formulation to support a wide array of vegetables, plants, and flowers planted directly into the ground. It’s the perfect enriched soil for in-ground organic gardening of produce, roses, annuals, perennials, or supporting grass seed for a lush green lawn.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Coast of Maine Raised Bed Soil Mix, 1 EA
- fully cured
- dehydrated poultry manure
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
How do I choose between a sea‑food enriched compost like Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend and a pure cow‑manure compost such as Brut or Black Kow?
Sea‑food blends add extra calcium and chitin, which can boost disease resistance and improve flowering, while pure cow‑manure products focus on high nitrogen for rapid vegetative growth. If you grow a mix of vegetables and ornamental plants, the Quoddy Blend offers a broader nutrient spectrum; for fast‑growing vegetables or lawns, a high‑nitrogen cow‑manure compost may be more cost‑effective. Consider the specific needs of your garden and whether you want the added trace minerals from lobster shells.
What should I look for in the nutrient profile and organic certifications when comparing these composts?
Check the N‑P‑K (nitrogen‑phosphorus‑potassium) balance; products like Espoma list a 0.5‑0.5‑0.5 ratio, while others rely on natural nutrient release without a labeled ratio. Verify OMRI or other organic certifications to ensure the material meets organic gardening standards. Certified organic blends also guarantee that no synthetic additives are present, which is important for organic growers.
Are there any odor or burn concerns with the different products?
Brut Cow Compost and Black Kow are marketed as odor‑free and safe for tender roots, reducing the risk of plant burn. The Quoddy Blend contains lobster shells, which can have a mild sea‑food scent but is fully composted, so the odor is minimal. Always follow the recommended application rates to avoid over‑feeding, which can cause leaf scorch regardless of the brand.
Which product is best for improving soil structure in sandy versus clay soils?
For sandy soils, look for blends that include peat moss or sphagnum, such as Coast of Maine’s Cobscook Blend, which enhances water retention. Clay soils benefit from coarse organic matter like aged bark and composted cow manure, found in Black Kow and Espoma, which improve aeration and drainage. Matching the amendment to your soil type will give the most noticeable improvement in root health.
How does price‑per‑pound value compare among the listed options?
Bulk bags like Black Kow’s 35‑lb bag typically offer the lowest cost per pound, making them economical for large garden beds. Premium blends with specialty ingredients, such as the Quoddy Blend with lobster shells, carry a higher price but provide added micronutrients. Calculate the total cost of the amount you need and weigh it against the specific benefits each product delivers.
Can I use the same compost for both container gardening and in‑ground raised beds?
Yes, many of the listed products are versatile enough for both applications; for example, Brut Cow Compost’s fine texture works well in pots, while the Quoddy Blend can be mixed into raised‑bed soil. Ensure you adjust the amount—containers need less volume but benefit from the same nutrient density. Adding a light mulch on top of containers can help retain moisture.
How important is the inclusion of additional ingredients like peat moss or bark for long‑term soil health?
Materials such as peat moss improve water‑holding capacity and create a more acidic environment that benefits certain plants, while bark adds structure and encourages beneficial microbial activity. Over time, these components break down slowly, providing a steady release of nutrients and preventing soil compaction. Choosing a blend with these additives can extend the life of your soil amendment and reduce the need for frequent re‑applications.
What are the environmental or sustainability benefits of choosing Coast of Maine versus other brands?
Coast of Maine emphasizes regenerative practices, using locally sourced seafood waste and responsibly managed manure, which reduces waste streams and carbon footprint. Brands like Black Kow also use recycled manure but may not include the same level of trace mineral recycling. Selecting a product with clear sustainability messaging supports eco‑friendly gardening and can contribute to healthier ecosystems in your yard.