In Ohio, the winter temperatures vary dramatically even from day to day. In fact, the cold weather months are not always confined to traditional winter months–sometimes it is snowing on Easter or Halloween involves kids trick or treating with winter coats covering costumes in Central Ohio. While the Midwestern grass and foliage are a dull shade of brown for months, residents are still able to hold some thoughts of spring and summer gardens by maintaining a compost reserve. Many compost makers stop composting during cold weather months–but stopping is not necessary. It is just as simple to compost during the winter by following a few cold weather composting tips and ideas.
Choose an easily accessible site. Quite honestly, the actual process of winter composting varies little from warm weather composting in most areas. However, dragging kitchen scraps through snow and ice is not motivational to many. It is especially difficult when scrap quantities are less in the winter than during booming fresh produce and lawn mowing seasons. Make sure that the winter composting site is easy to access throughout the cold weather months. Winter composting means sometimes committing to heading out in snow or sleet to empty the kitchen waste container. Making the destination easily accessible allows for easier commitment.
Consider changing composting methods for the winter. Depending on the weather and individual composting goals, winter months may require a change of plans for some. Consider using a more mobile, enclosed compost bin system–or even looking at a smaller, indoor composting unit better suited personal composting needs.
Heat or insulate the compost pile or bin. The microorganisms necessary to compost success require heat to work their magic at a heightened pace. Some compost bin owners simply insulate with natural materials such as straw or recyclable cardboard, while others opt to provide an external heat source. Some open compost plots remain successful with a basic covering of black or dark plastic that helps absorb winter sun rays for the heat source. Depending on individual goals, heat source requirements vary widely.
Scale down the composting operation–or request donations. Fresh materials must be added regularly, especially during the winter, to keep the process rolling. Consider talking to a neighbor, or a neighborhood deli or coffee shop about taking some of their compost friendly waste for the pile.
Relax. Roll with the weather and wait it out. While there are a ton of winter composting guides, tips, tricks and techniques-many cold weather compost builders choose to ignore it all and let nature take its natural course. What is the rush to compost as quickly as possible during the winter when inches of snow cover the garden? Many long time compost producers allow the bin to build, freeze, and thaw without intervention. They note that the compost, and its microorganisms, kick into the usual pattern in the early spring with little external guidance in plenty of time for spring compost needs.