I now have 2 compost piles going using old leaves, manure, and straw, and now some garden waste. The piles are looking good, steam and heat coming out of them and they are shrinking in size.

Question! Will they be ready to apply to my garden in the spring? I plan on starting lettuce, spinich, onions, etc. early. If not what then? I have been for years adding green manure to garden before plowing in spring.

From what you're describing, they should be. Give them a turn once in awhile & you should be good to go by spring planting time.

You'll know they're ready when you can't recognize any of the individual components & when you have a dark, crumbly mix with a good "earthy" scent to it.