November, have you composted and mulched your garden?  If you like what you see above, then I urge you to consider it.

Compost is technically plant debris that has been subject to the digestive process of an organism, usually an insect or microorganism.  This process causes a release of heat that ideally reaches temperatures between 135 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit before the compost is considered “cooked.”  It is common practice for vendors of compost to sneak in sawdust or chicken manure into already composted material.  If you are a purist, making your own compost without the additives is always an option.

Compost is, in my opinion, the best way to help with heavy soil structure albeit temporarily.  It does not change the ratio of sand, silt, and clay, your soil texture, but the humic acid helps to create an ionic environment in the soil that lends to the clay forming aggregates to improve water percolation.

If you have plants that require organic soils as opposed to mineral soils, then compost is a great way to maintain their ideal soil pH for optimal nutrient availability.  Also, the compost decomposes slowly and does not cause plants to spike with pest-attracting juvenile growth like chemical fertilizers.  Speaking of pests, compost helps create an environment where predator insects thrive and contribute to natural pest reduction in your garden.

If you have mineral soils, the plant palette will dictate if compost is necessary.  Most likely, compost is not a critical part of the cultural practices for this type of garden.  Here is link that discuss organic and mineral soils.  And a link for pH influence of nutrient availability.

Mulch, unlike compost, is not a significant source of nutrients and rarely has a significant influence on soil pH.  For me, mulching is the first protocol I use to suppress weeds.  A thick layer between plants effectively smothers anything trying to push up from the soil level and below.  It is not a cure.  Weed seed can still get blown in or carried in by wildlife.  The mulch is not a secure place for germinated seeds to root, so pulling them out while they are young is a cinch.

One more contribution of mulch to the garden relates to water.  Mulch, especially on slopes, can reduce soil loss during heavy rains.  In general, mulch protects the upper layers of soil from water loss and crusting during dry periods.  In short, it is a source of moderation when Mother Nature is not.