If you’re just beginning to post your household and yard waste and you have questions of winter is the right to begin, then let me encourage you that you can begin to compose in winter. It is likely that all your compostable kitchen scraps will not diminish you to the snow and freezing temperatures. Luckily you can successfully compose even during the cold months. I do agree that the entire process of decomposition is very slow with the temperatures being so low however the process doesn’t halt. Microbes, fungi, and various other bacterias along with huge decomposers that include earthworms, pillbugs, and snow bugs, can live in compost heaps throughout the year. They begin to break down all your composable organic materials the moment the temperature begins to rise.
You must also know that the entire process of decomposition will come to a complete standstill the moment your heap of compost is frozen. But a huge compost bin or pile within the pile staying warm and avoiding freeze. So, your organic material within your compose bin will decompose but at a slower pace. I am glad that you have stopped by to read this article because it has been written with a focus to help you get a better incite on how you can expedite the entire process during winter. Keep reading.
Collect leaves to compose in winter
The most vital thing you could do during fall is collecting leaves to utilize in your compost. Fine needles and leaves are carbon-rich, brown materials that enhance the aeration of the compost pile reducing odors. You can stock the pile in bins or bins or bags utilizing them 365 days. If you are utilizing an open can to store the leaves you might want to consider utilizing a tarp to cover it. Prevent the entire pile from matting and wetting. Suppose your garden does not produce plenty of leaves then you could also stockpile various other useful brown materials that include shredded newspaper, wood chips, sawdust, and straw during fall
Reducing the sizes to compose in winter
It is very important that you cut the browns and greens into small pieces, this will increase the speed of decomposition because it increases the surface area. In this way, decomposers have enough surface to feed on.
Insulation to compose in winter
This is an important step that you must do. It will help you to keep your compost pile from freezing and stopping decomposition completely. You can surround the compost bins with bags of straw and leaves as a buffer toward freezing temperatures. You can also go for a second option that includes making a ring within the bin wood chips, sawdust, and leaves. It should be at least 10 inches thick.
Turning the heap to compose in winter
I know that by now you have read that turning the heap frequently will help to increase the process of decomposition because of the flow of oxygen within the compost pile however you do not have to turn your compost heap during the winter months. If you do so the pile will experience a loss of heat, especially in the internal parts. This will result in slow decomposition or even a standstill. I always recommend giving the pile a good turn as soon as it’s completely thawed.
I do hope these insights will help you to successfully compost during winter. Happy composting!