There’s not much out there that can improve garden soil better than good old fashion compost. Compost can be purchased at most garden centers, but what’s the fun in that, especially when it can be made for FREE!

Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which stimulates plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It's also easy to make and good for the environment. A compost heap can be as simple as a pile of garden debris in the corner of the backyard, or as elaborate as the classic 3-bay system.

My compost bin is a simple single bin structure consisting of four metal corner posts.

This is just one of many ideas that can be used to collect yard waste.

All that’s needed in this setup is to attach the 1” X 6” boards (sold separately) to form the square bin.

The location of a compost bin is an important aspect to consider as well. A convenient sunny spot, somewhere between the house and garden works well. If possible, try to locate the compost area away from nearby trees or shrubs, where their roots will eventually invade the rich soil and suck out the nutrients. Also, placing the bin near a water source is a good idea as well, because periodically it will need to be watered during dry spells. Keeping the pile damp and stirred-up on a regular basis will help speed up the compost making process.

And don’t just limit composting to outside materials. There’s lots of stuff inside that can be composted as well, especially in the kitchen. To make it convenient, I use a small indoor compost bucket to collect things like egg shells, vegetable clippings and left over fruit peels and parts.

Most of these come equipped with an activated charcoal filter in the lid to help absorb odors. However, keeping it emptied often will keep the odors from developing. Or, keeping the kitchen scraps in the refrigerator until ready to dump in the outdoor bin is another option I’ve heard that works well against odors.

And to make it all even simpler, I use the bio trash bags to line the inside of the container. These bags keep the pail clean inside, and when ready to empty, the bag and all can be dumped in the outdoor compost bin where it all breaks down together.

If you’re not already composting, give it a try this spring - the soil will benefit and your plants will reward you in return.

For more information on composting check out the following link: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-703/426-703.html

Are you ready? The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is coming up February 17-20, 2012.

Anyone can participate in this 4-day event. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun and easy—and it helps the birds too. I look forward to participating a few hours every year.

Make sure your local birds are represented in the count—they won’t count unless YOU do! Everything you need to know to participate is on the website at www.birdcount.org, including downloadable instructions, FAQs, and a how-to video. Get a regional list of the birds you might see in your area this time of year so you can brush up on your identification skills ahead of time.

Feel free to share your 2012 GBBC experience, results, etc. in the comments below. I would love to hear how you did. Good luck!

By now many of you have received your favorite gardening catalog(s) in the mail – and that’s a good thing because January is National Mail Order Gardening Month. It’s not just about seeds anymore; purchasing plants by mail has come a long way since the early days. Often, it’s the only way to get the unusual, hard to find plants. Remember though, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Whether you’re looking to buy or just daydreaming, garden catalogs are a great resource and can help bring a little springtime indoors during the winter months.

While we’re still a ways away from planting most things, garden vegetables like peas and potatoes are two of the earliest crops that can be planted in the garden. Both are highly productive and easy to grow. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension vegetable planting guide and recommended planting dates, garden peas (sugar snap and snow peas) can be planted as early as February, and potatoes soon after that. Dates vary a little depending on where you garden in Virginia. Refer to the planting guide to see when the recommended planting times are in your area.

Whether its vegetables or flowers, take a little time this winter and plan out your spring garden, it’ll be here before you know it.