Winter is an ideal time to convert garden, yard and kitchen debris into soil-enriching compost.

We can use much of our trash to make gardens more productive, which means more fresh produce to enjoy.

WHAT TO CONVERT

Many materials can be used to produce compost — that is, organic matter, or material that once lived.

Grass clippings, leaves, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, vegetable and fruit clippings, shredded paper and chopped brush are some examples of organic matter suitable for composting. (Also, chopped or shredded materials compost faster.)

Avoid cheese, meat scraps, fats or bones because of the potential of attracting pests like rodents. These materials are slower to decompose and may create odor problems.

BUILDING THE BIN

A compost bin's size may vary but you need to construct an enclosure at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. It can be made from almost anything: wire, wooden pallets or cement blocks.

One side of the bin should be open or removable for ease of adding and removing materials.

The simplest compost bin that I use is a wire hoop made from welded fence wire. The piece of fence wire should be long enough to make a 3-foot diameter hoop. This hoop bin is sturdy enough to stand on its own.

THE N FACTOR

The beneficial bacteria and fungi use nitrogen to break down organic materials.

To provide nitrogen, add ½ cup ammonium nitrate per bushel of organic material added to the compost pile.

One suggestion is to alternate 8 to 12 inches of organic matter, 2 inches of topsoil and 1 cup of any complete fertilizer (per layer) until the container is full. Then add enough water to get the material to the consistency of a wet sponge.

GETTING AIR

Microorganisms also must have air to live. Frequently turning a shovel or pitchfork will benefit the bacteria and fungi, resulting in organic materials' faster decomposition.

Using the wire hoop makes turning the pile easy. Simply pick up the wire hoop and set it to the side of your pile of compost.

Next, use a pitchfork or shovel to place compost materials back into the wire hoop in its new location.

Larry Williams is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: WILLIAMS: Northwest Florida gardeners can convert trash into garden treasure

Americans spent nearly $19 billion in Valentine's Day gifts last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Much of this money went for gifts with short shelf lives, such as candy, flowers and restaurant meals (and about $700 million was spent on gifts for pets).

There's certainly nothing wrong with giving chocolates or roses. But this year, think about going beyond the classic gifts. Instead, use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to determine how you can make gifts with long-lasting impact to your circle of loved ones.

Here are some suggestions:

●For your spouse or significant other. As long as your spouse or significant other has earned income, he or she may be able to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. So, consider giving a check to be used for that purpose. A traditional IRA can grow tax deferred, while contributions are usually tax-deductible. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty.)

While Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, any earnings growth can be distributed tax free, provided the account owner doesn't take withdrawals until age 59½ and has had the account at least five years. For 2015 and 2016, the IRA contribution limit is $5,500, or $6,500 for those 50 or older.

●For your children. You don't have to be rich to give your children a gift worth $1 million – you just have to help them through school. College graduates earn about $1 million more over their lifetimes than those without a degree, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Still, college isn't cheap: The average annual cost – tuition, fees, room and board – for a private four-year college is more than $42,000, according to the College Board, while the comparable figure for a public four-year school is about $19,000.

Of course, if financial aid is available, you could get some help. Nonetheless, you may want to start putting away money for college.

One popular college savings vehicle is a 529 plan. Your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes, and any earnings growth can be withdrawn tax-free, provided it is used for qualified higher education expenses. (However, if you take withdrawals from your 529 plan, and you don't use the money for these higher education expenses, you may be subject to both income tax and a 10 percent penalty on the earnings.)

●For your parents. If you have elderly parents, you may want to find out if they've got their retirement and estate plans in place. If they've already taken care of everything, you may not need to get involved – but if they've left some "loose ends," your help could be a valuable gift. So, ask them if they have drawn up the necessary legal documents.

Do they each have a will? Have they created a durable power of attorney, which allows them to name someone to make financial and health care decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?

If it appears they have much work to do in these areas, you may want to offer to arrange a consultation for them with a legal advisor and a financial professional.

None of these ideas are "traditional" Valentine's Day gifts – but all of them can prove of great value to your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Think about sending financial 'valentines' to loved ones

We’re going on a bear hunt! Bring your teddy bear, flashlight and six cookies to share Thursday, Jan. 28 to the Crestview Public Library.

We’ll gather in the Meeting Room between 6 and 6:30 p.m. We should be done hunting by 7:15 p.m.

This family event is designed for ages 3 and up. Younger siblings are welcome if accompanied by an adult. All are invited to wear modest pajamas.

In addition to the bear hunt, we will read some stories and treat our bears to a Teddy Bear Tea.

We’d like to thank our Friends of the Crestview Library for helping to make this event free for you.

Registration is not required. Please call 682-4432 with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NITZEL: Crestview library bear hunt includes teddy bear tea