COMPOSTING in WINTER

Can residents compost in the winter?

Yes! Composting in the winter can certainly be done, but it requires a certain level of dedication. While the decomposition process slows down once the temperature drops, it doesn’t totally stop. The compost pile can survive. The only time decomposition comes to a stop is when the materials in a compost pile are completely frozen. However, if you have a large compost pile or bin, it’s likely that the organic matter in the interior will stay warm enough to avoid freezing.

Gather Leaves—One of the most important things you can do in the fall is gather leaves for use in composting. Leaves are an excellent source of brown or carbon-rich materials. Leaves can be stockpiled in bags or bins for use throughout the year. If leaves aren't available, other brown materials such as straw, sawdust, woodchips or shredded newspaper may be used.

Harvest Finished Compost— You’ll know your compost is ready to use if the materials are no longer recognizable and if the compost is dark and crumbly with an earthy odor. Compost can either be spread in the garden in the fall or saved for use in the spring. You may find it helpful to keep finished compost in lidded bins or cover it with a tarp so that it doesn’t get too soggy.

Insulate the Pile—Insulate compost in order to keep it from freezing solid and halting decomposition. Compost bins can be surrounded with bags of leaves or straw bales to buffer against freezing temperatures.

Wait to Turn the Pile—There is no need to turn the compost pile in the winter months, as doing so will only result in heat loss in the interior of the pile. This can slow the decomposition process further. Instead, wait to turn the pile in the spring once it is completely thawed.

 Happy Composting!