Need some advice: Cold Weather Composting

Question

I live in NY & just bought a compost tumbler this spring.  I was wondering if I can continue to add to the bin in the winter or should I just bag what I have. I believe heat is an important component to compost so I am not sure.

Mel8930775 · Answer

Yes. Combusting can be done year round. Turn the tumbler every time you add compost items to it. Don't put meat, food items, grease, or animal waste in the composter. Crush your egg shells and don't forget coffee grounds and tea bags are great for the compost bin.

Regina Earl Arlauckas · Answer

I use my tumbler all winter.  When I rake up leaves in the fall, I fill a covered trash can with dry leaves and put a handful in each time I add my compost items, give it a few tumbles.  In the spring i have nice compost to start the season.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

Compost throws off large amounts of heat.When I was a child my dad only had a hole in the corner of the garden for compost.Night time temps here back then were -40.Never froze.

Mel8930775 · Answer

To help compost leaves a little quicker, after raking your leaves into a pile, run your rotary mower over your pile. A pile pile will result in a much smaller 
and they break down in your composter a little quicker.

Shawna Bailey · Answer

Yes, the composting actually produces a little heat. I was grossed out the first time I realized.

Sherrie Slaboda · Answer

Shredded paper is excellent for the compost. I learned that you must mix both green (food waste and fresh grass clipping) and brown (dry materials like dry grass, straw, sawdust, tissue paper, black & white newspaper). 50% should be green and 50% brown. Some recommend 75% green and 25% brown - either way you will be able to get healthy compost.

Lumnah Acres · Answer

Yes you can compost all year round. It might slow down a bit in the cold temps. But once it starts to warm BACK UP watch out! You will be ready for the garden when spring comes........ DREAMING of home grown tomatoes YUM......

Angela Ley · Answer

I keep my veggie scraps, peels etc in a container in my freezer. When it gets full I make vegetable stock. Just another thought for those scraps.

Need some advice: Cold Weather Composting

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Need some advice: Cold Weather Composting

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