could i start a compost heap now and have it ready for middle of may planting?
great advice bosco. what kind of manure do you use?
Mid May would be a bit too soon to use compost you start making now, 3 months is usually the minimum.
I grow like Below Fridgid. Ive used many of the same holes for 20yrs. Each fall i cut my plant, mix in 1 cup of 10-10-10( no substitute for fall fert apps) . another light dose in the spring and the hairy monsters appear.
I have to add a cup of lime and 5 gallons of new dirt every 4th year.