Questions

Is it ok to practice "slob composting" - or am I just kidding myself?

I am new to gardening and am trying the whole food way of living. I live in Michigan so right now (Oct.) gardening is over, but I want to get a jump start for next year. I just ordered a hot compost bin, so that is the start for me. My question is: My yard is ALWAYS full of aphids (at least that is what I think they are) and my hostas always have whole all over them and I do not want this to challenge my gardening next spring. Any ideas on how to get rid of aphids? Also, how do I keep the bugs away from my garden in general. I am afraid this will be my biggest problem. While I am asking questions: My yard used to be a soy bean field and there still is one behind us. I want to make sure that the chemicals in our yard are gone. Next spring we will have owned our yard (and had no soy beans in it) for 4 years. Is there a place where I can send my soil for testing? Is there a book that you recommend for "first time gardners". I have all winter to read :) Thank you in advanced and I am SOO HAPPY I found this website!

Does anyone have a seed source for Calendula flowers that are relatively single & intensely orange? Classic Calendulas?

My question is simple, where do i start with preserving food? What would be good things to do/try for a beginner?

Is it possible to just water my spring planted Pink Eye Purple Hull Peas and keep them producing through the fall until the first freeze?