Q: I would like to add some compost from the Athens/Clarke County landfill to my vegetable gardens this winter. Should I turn the soil before or after adding the compost?

A: I think it would be better to till it in right after you spread it. Although microbial action will be minimal in cold weather, a bit of desired decomposition will occur. The compost particles will be a bit smaller and will more easily become homogeneous with your native soil when you till everything before planting this spring.