Question about adding compost...

**llama momma** 10/23/2011, 2:21 pm

As I empty some squares that won't be used again until next Spring, does it benefit to add compost now? Or should I keep the finished sifted compost in my containers to apply in the Spring? Obviously I don't understand the chemistry well enough to answer this myself, and I apoligize if this has already been answered somewhere else. Thank You Good People Laughing

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boffer 10/23/2011, 4:42 pm

I add my compost when I harvest, not when I plant, even if the squares are going to be vacant for a while. It gives the weeds a chance to show themselves and get plucked before planting veggies.

Your compost will be just as nutritional in the boxes, as long as you don't get lots of rain that can rinse away nutrients.

**camprn** 10/23/2011, 4:47 pm

I prep my beds for spring directly after I finish fall cleanup, usually this involves adding a wheel barrow or two of compost to the mix, stirring it in then leveling the soil. Voila! all set to go in the Spring.

**Kelejan** 10/23/2011, 5:27 pm

llama momma wrote:As I empty some squares that won't be used again until next Spring, does it benefit to add compost now? Or should I keep the finished sifted compost in my containers to apply in the Spring? Obviously I don't understand the chemistry well enough to answer this myself, and I apoligize if this has already been answered somewhere else. Thank You Good People !

I would think that adding compost as the quare becomes vacant is better for the compost as the millions s\of organisms that inhabit the compost and the compost remaing in the square gives it the chance to grow. I believe that keeping compost in a bag and perhaps letting it get dry destroys some of the nutrition.

I add compost as soon as a square becomes vacant, then I don't have to think about it any more, but I am ready to go whenever I want to plant.

Naturally I stand to be advised otherwise, after all I have not had years and years experience and would hate to lead anyone off the correct path.

**llama momma** 10/23/2011, 7:32 pm

Thank you everyone! I pulled plants this afternoon and will go back tomorrow after work to add my fresh compost, I have bricks to hold down the tarps. I get fierce westerly winds and it makes me a little crazy to think of all the good efforts getting washed away by rain, wind, or melting snow. Thanks again for your help everyone!

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