Garden Tip 202

You may have read in some of my past tips that I am always happy to have a two for, getting two things done at once. Composting in place is a great two for this time of year. By now, many annuals and perennials have collapsed and lay splayed out in the garden. Instead of pulling these plants and lugging them to the compost pile, I simply cut them into small lengths and drop them to the ground.

While probably not appropriate for formal and dooryard gardens, this procedure is great for larger beds and background gardens. Whatever is left of this material in the spring can be spread around the garden helping to improve soil texture and feeding soil microorganisms.  Composting in place, a cut above the rest!