Composting in Winter
Spring through fall is generally considered gardening season. For most of us, winter is a time to take a break, do some planning, and dream about next year’s garden. But what about composting? Should we continue to compost through the winter? If you continue to create food waste through the winter, then yes, you should continue to compost. Why send all those valuable nutrients to the landfill? Read some great tips on keeping your compost pile going in the winter at http://learningandyearning.com/composting-in-winter
A large compost heap will help to generate heat. A working compost pile has four basic needs: air, water, carbon and nitrogen.
Bales of hay can help to insulate your pile. Shredding, adding nitrogen rich materials like blood meal, and placing your pile in a sunny location will help it to generate heat.
Snow can act as insulation. Don't turn your pile now, since that will cool it. But even if it freezes solid, all will be well come spring. Everything will thaw, and the microbes will return.
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Excellent! We've been composting year round since we purchased our house and built our compost pits (chicken wire around metal posts) in 1994. Wonderful way to re-use plant material from our kitchen, garden, yard, trees. Nice to know I don't have to turn it in the winter! Was thinking I need to, until I read your post - thanks!
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Composting in the winter can be great fun and exercise. You only need to up the nitrogen content to keep it heating and possibly adjust the water downward. I make a huge pile in my winter line of view from my chair. You can see the steam coming up and birds sitting on top warming their feet in the freezing cold. lovely any winter day.
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