How do I start composting? Especially looking for cold climate tips!

Vam32773782
by Vam32773782
I live in Maine and would love to start composting at home, but have no idea where to start! I don't even know if it's possible in the winter when it's so cold outside. Thanks for any tips!

  5 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 05, 2018

    https://www.hometalk.com/categories/green-living/composting/compost-bins

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Mar 05, 2018

    https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/how-to-compost-in-winter we had a very unusually cold January - and I looked out one of the first mornings that was in the 'teens and my compost pile was 'steaming'... warm enough to condense in that cold air!

  • Dfm Dfm on Mar 05, 2018

    There are a couple of methods to composting.some use a 3 pile methode pile 1 is the oldest, 2 is mid point 3 is the least mature. All need stirred and turned. Some will just add to a single pile stir and turn and use it the next year. I went to using a compost tumbler. The wild life was helping themselves to the snacks and squabbling over them. The tumblers are on wheels easy to move to the back door at canning time for the the fruit veggies scraps. I don’t have to pick up a shovel to turn the pile, just roll the drum on it’s frame. The hatch latches securly...nothing’s spilled in transport.


    you will need a compost starter..it has the good stuff in it to break down the veggie mater, you can purchase a packet of it at garden stores, or if a friend has a compost that is mature ready to use.....ask for a bucket of it to get yours going.


    theres a few don’ts...no oil or grease on veg matter that goes out to the composter. No non veg food stuffs in the compost bin. Paper is the exception...it came from tree pulp. No waxed paper. Don’t neglect to turn or tumble. Done properly the compost should not raise a stink. It should smell like wet dirt. You can add to a compost pile in winter..it will just freeze in place And thaw in the spring.

  • MagnoliaMemories MagnoliaMemories on Mar 05, 2018

    Hi Vamarosf! I found this great article in the Bangor Daily News. I hope it helps. https://bangordailynews.com/2017/05/02/homestead/how-to-build-successful-composting-habits/

    • Vam32773782 Vam32773782 on Mar 05, 2018

      Thank you for sharing this article! Good to hear some local success stories :)