Winter Composting
Just because it's cold and snowy outside, doesn't mean you can't compost
vegetable scraps and other compostable materials. Composting is a year round
activity. No compostable materials should go to the landfill....ever.
Winter composting takes a different approach, as the decomposition process,
may come to a halt, or proceed ever so slowly.
Here are ways you can practice composting, and reap its rewards down the
road:
Method #1: Just Pile it on
If you have a compost heap, or a composter, continue to add compostable
materials. You may not be able to stir it, but that's okay. Decomposition
will slowly occur over the winter, and increase as spring weather warms the
compost. Freezing and thawing aids the process, helping to break up the
materials, just like freezing and thawing breaks up pavement, creating potholes.
If you are putting compost material into a composter, do not put things into
it that are wet, as too much water can freeze in the composter and damage
it.
In the spring, the outside of the compost pile may look a lot like you left
it. The action in the winter, is inside of the pile.
Method #2 Compost in a Building
Believe it or not, some people use enclosed composters in their garage during
the winter months. It is also a common practice in sheds and barns. It is
important to use an enclosed container, like a compost tumbler, or a bucket
with a lid. This keeps out critters, who might find an entrance into the
building.
Method #3: Store It
Compost can be collected and stored for composting during the Spring-Fall
months. All you need, is a container with a lid. Fifty Five gallon drums,
and five gallon buckets, are commonly used. Place them near the back door
of the house. Bring out vegetables scraps and other compostable materials
as you have them. Make sure to place the lid on tight, to keep critters away.
When spring arrives, the materials in your composter will warm up, and begin
to decompose. They likely have already begun to decompose.
Did You Know? Depending upon what you put into your composter, finished
compost may not be pH neutral. Test the soil from time to time. See:
Compost pH and
More on pH levels
Related Topics:
What
to Compost
More on Composting - more about the composting process.
Mushroom Compost - guess what it is made
of????
Compost Honey Hole
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