We only planted tomatoes, eggplant (yuk!) and onions this year.
I am going to try both methods with the tomatoes and eggplant. I think the onions ought to be OK left alone, they spread like wildfire.
I do not have a compost pile. Maybe I should experiment with one in an area near the garden.
Ooooh... dice up that eggplant into 3/4 inch cubes! Saute it in olive oil with a bit of garlic! Maybe toss in a couple sliced green or black olives...
Serve it over angel hair pasta with some prima-vera sauce!
To die for!