09/01/2024
As the temperatures drop, the composting process will slow down significantly but you can keep it going with these cold weather composting tips...
Keep adding material to your compost, plenty of nitrogen rich veg peelings from those winter vegetable soups will keep the process going to some extent, but don't forget to balance with 'browns' or you will find your compost will turn into a slimy mess as soon as the temperature warms up. If you have stockpiled dead plant material when cutting back in the autumn, now is the time to use some of this carbon rich material that there can be a shortage of at this time of year, although cardboard and scrunched up paper will also do the trick.
Consider insulating your compost if that is a possibility, some compost bins are naturally insulated, but you can make your own insulated system from recycled or reclaimed materials or check out if there is a custom insulation jacket for your type of compost bin. Just a thick layer of carbon rich material on top of your decomposing waste will provide some insulation and covering your bin with a lid or a piece of old woolen carpet and/or a tarp will keep the moisture and heat in and also stop it from getting too wet when the rain returns.
If you have a wormery, move it inside to a shed, greenhouse or garage, when the outside temperature drops below freezing. Compost bins that have contact with the ground allow the worms and other compost creatures to migrate to a warmer spot when it's too cold but as worms are contained in a wormery, they will need to be protected during really cold spells.
Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.
For more on composting...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganiccomposting
For more on food waste...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganicfoodwaste
