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Thoughts and Prayers out to anyone affected by the nasty storms & tornadoes. Very scary!

Apologies for not directly answering all of the replies to my composting question. We had a busy weekend with a birthday party for grandson #3 here at the house.

Really appreciate all of the answers and advice. I do think it might be a little too cold for good composting action. I don’t have a way to take the temperature, but noticed it was just slightly warm when opening the cover.. We have had a few very sunny, warm days but then it’s down to the 40’s at night. Also could use some good soaking rain.

I have thought about doing some sort of cold frame or coverings for the raised beds. We are going to have to rebuild them and I would really like to add hoops for at least one. As it is, I think we’ll have to “cheat” a bit this year and buy some established plants, rather than starting from seeds, at least for tomatoes and peppers. I am getting ready to put out the first round of lettuce seeds and probably carrots and radishes too. Have to see what other seeds I have floating about here, we renovated & combined 2 households and lots of things were shuffled in the ensuing chaos.

Thanks again!

twyn1:" As it is, I think we’ll have to “cheat” a bit this year and buy some established plants,
rather than starting from seeds, at least for tomatoes and peppers."

That's not cheating by buying growing plants. It just is based on how you value your time and investment towards food production, and enjoying nature.
Since you are getting some established plants, make sure that they are "indeterminate" if you are looking for long term production throughout the season.
"Determinate" plants will bear almost all at once, and are ideal if you are canning ,dehydrating ,freezing , etc.
The reason why I mention this is that many times during the season, especially later in the season, some of the more favorite varieties 'disappear',
and it is best to know your grower and their integrity , as occassionally, in an attempt to "sell out", some unscrupulous growers may switch tags.
Familiarize yourself as to which varieties do well in your climate conditions, soil , and taste preferences
and try to experiment with a couple new varieties as your 'favorites' may change.