Compost Sense

Credit: Sheena Adams

Both spring and fall through winter are fantastic times to add compost to your garden.

Adding compost to your garden has long-term benefits, so no need to worry about leaching from the heavy rains. The compost will add organic matter to the garden and get the soil micro-organisms and beneficial bacteria working, so go ahead and empty the compost bins and prepare to refill them with your fall leaves and winter kitchen scraps. A balanced addition of nitrogen- and carbon-producing products will help the compost to break down faster. In winter, increase nitrogen by adding coffee grounds, glacial rock dust and bloodmeal to keep the heat up.