We always had a compost pile at the old place("cold" compost) and will no doubt have one here,also. Between grass clippings, kicthen scraps, garden waste,and the dead plants at years end, we could"steal" about 6 wheelbarrel loads a year from it. I never put iris leaves, dayliliy leaves, or any "deadheads" in it,as it didn't "work" hot enough to kill seeds or organisms. I try to watch for year end "clearence sales" at the box stores for the left-over bags of composted manure.( usually get it for .50 a bag, normaly its 1.50-2.00).I just bought a full pallet of manure at K-mart (85 , 40lb. bags for$ 12.00) My motto is "If you gotta' PAY for poop, at least get it cheap!..
..Arlyn