I took this picture a few days ago when we planted our first field crops (Kohlrabi, Scallions, Lettuce, & Escarole). I was blown away at the stark difference between beds that were right next to each other!
The bed on the right received a healthy amount of compost last year, while the bed on the left did not. I don't know why it didn't, I just know that it didn't. Did I just not want to haul another wheelbarrow up the hill? Probably 😂
Both of these were left to their own devices all winter, and when we got started this spring, this is what we had to work with! (In the photo, the bed on the right had already been broadforked, where the one on the left had not.)
We couldn't BELIEVE the difference! The bed on the right was softer, smelled good, and was much easier to work with, while the bed on the left was harder, cracked, and dried out really quickly after prepping.
The only difference between the two beds is that one received compost, and the other didn't. They received the same amendments, same watering, and were on the same weed schedule.
It's important to note that compost and amendments (fertilizer) are both important, and you shouldn't pick one or the other for your growing space.
Compost adds organic matter to the soil which helps add life, improves your soil structure, increases the ability to "catch and release" nutrients so that the plants get what they need, and helps with retaining water.
Amendments add the minerals and nutrients that your plants need to thrive, compost helps them work better!
There is so much useful information out there on the importance of compost in your gardens. I highly recommend doing a deep dive to learn more, as this is just a quick intro to it. | 
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