October 20, 2002

The first frost of the season usually arrives in our area sometime between September 25th and October 10th. And just last week the first light frost damaged some of the tender annuals. Often after the first freezing nights the temperature remains above 32 degrees for several more weeks. If the tender plants were protected then you will probably get several more weeks of enjoyment from them.
As the annuals die back from the frost they can be removed from the garden. Perennials will need to be trimmed back as their foliage dies. Dead weeds should also be removed to prevent insects from over-wintering under their protective cover. In general, clean up the garden in preparation for winter.
There will be quite a lot of material to dispose of- hopefully to a compost pile! If you have never kept a compost pile now is a perfect time to start. Compost is the best material to have on hand for all garden projects. It can be used to amend our heavy soil by improving the drainage and fertility, as a mulch and also in potting mixes.
Composting is a natural process in which microorganisms break down organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, yard wastes and vegetable scraps. The end result is a rich soil-like substance known as compost. Compost is dark, crumbly and has an earthy smell.
Making compost is as easy as making a pile. Select a site that is easily accessible on grass or soil. Starting the pile near the garden can save time and energy later. Place some small branches or other course material on the bottom to help add air to the pile. Add organic materials in layers either all at once or over several months as they become available. An equal ratio of green materials to brown materials works well.
Green materials are those that are nitrogen rich such as grass clippings, garden trimmings and vegetable scraps. Brown materials are rich in carbon. Some examples are dried leaves, straw and sawdust. A simple compost pile can be made from raked leaves mixed with untreated grass clippings.
A compost pile should be at least 3' high and 3' wide, but no more than 5'x 5'. Keep the pile moist, the consistency of a damp sponge. Turn the pile at least once a month with a manure fork to move the outside layers to the inside. More frequent turning will hasten the decomposition process. Large materials will decompose faster if they are shredded before being added to the pile.
Compost piles do not need to be enclosed, but many people use a bin or enclosure. Bins help keep the pile neat and maintain conditions needed for rapid decomposition. A simple bin can be constructed at little or no cost with materials on hand. Poultry netting with hardwood stakes or snow fencing can be quickly assembled as an enclosure. Used pallets or cinder blocks are also good choices, but the use of pressure treated lumber is discouraged.
Materials that can be put in the compost pile are numerous. Items from the yard include leaves, grass clippings, chopped twigs and branches, spent flowers and weeds. From the kitchen, save vegetable peelings, food scraps, and coffee grounds to put in the pile. Food scraps with meats or fats will attract rodents and other animals to the pile, so keep them out of the pile. Diseased or insect infested plant material should not be added to the pile as well as persistent weeds. Dog, cat or human feces should not be put in a compost pile since they carry parasites.
A compost pile started this fall should be at least partially useable during next year's gardening season, especially if it is turned frequently. If not turned at all, the pile will still decompose but may take up to a year to become ready for garden use. Once you start using compost you will find you never seem to have enough. Experienced gardeners often have a three- bin system with separate piles of new material, decomposing and finished (useable) compost. That way there is always compost coming. Whatever system you chose, build a pile and let it rot!

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the Nursery Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to bethtanical@rcn.com