dead flowers in pots: dirt and all in the compost?

Hello, I have about 10 pots with annuals that will die with the first hard frost. Can I put the dirt and plants in the compost, or should i pull out the plants and put the dirt in the garden somewhere?

Thank you, C

I usually dump plants and dirt in the compost.

"Rough chop" the plants so they'll decompose faster. I'd shake the dirt off too, and spread it over the top of the compost heap. All that rich soil should not be in one spot, so spread it out. Then moisten everything lightly, so the plants will begin to break down.

Thank you both, that will sure make fall clean up easier. C