Winter might slow things down in the garden, but your compost heap doesn’t have to grind to a halt! While colder temperatures mean decomposition takes longer, with a few simple tweaks, you can keep your compost pile active through the winter months and have nutrient-rich compost ready for spring. Here’s how:
1. Keep the Heat In
Compost needs warmth to break down efficiently, so insulating your heap is key. Try:
Covering it with a tarp or old carpet to trap heat.
Using straw or cardboard around the bin for extra insulation.
Positioning it in a sunny spot to absorb whatever warmth winter offers.
2. Chop It Small
The smaller the pieces, the quicker they break down. In winter, when microbes work slower, shredding kitchen scraps, tearing cardboard into small bits, and breaking up woody stems makes a huge difference.
3. Keep It Balanced
A good compost pile needs a mix of:
Greens (nitrogen-rich) – vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings.
Browns (carbon-rich) – leaves, cardboard, straw, wood chips.
Since garden waste is minimal in winter, keep a stockpile of dry leaves or shredded newspaper to mix in with your kitchen waste.
4. Avoid Overloading with Wet Waste
Too many soggy food scraps can turn your heap into a slimy mess. Balance wet waste with dry materials like cardboard or sawdust to keep it aerated.
5. Keep Turning It (When Possible)
Aeration is crucial, but in freezing conditions, the pile might be too solid to turn. If that happens, just focus on adding fresh material to the centre, where the most heat is retained.
6. Use a Compost Bin or Hot Composter
A plastic compost bin retains more heat than an open pile, helping microbes stay active. For a faster breakdown, a hot composter can keep temperatures higher even in the coldest months.
7. Compost Worms? Bring Them In!
If you use a worm bin (vermicomposting), cold weather can slow them down or kill them. Move the bin into a shed, greenhouse, or even a sheltered corner to keep your worms happily munching through your scraps.
Get Your Garden Ready for Spring!
A thriving compost heap now means rich, organic compost ready for your spring planting! If you need help setting up a compost system, improving your soil, or preparing your garden for the new season, Marcus Bergin Gardening is here to help!
Cheltenham & Surrounding Areas
Let’s keep your garden thriving—even in winter!
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