Composting in the Off Season

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Composting is a sensational way to support the health of your garden throughout the year. However, as the days grow shorter and temperatures start to drop, many gardeners assume their composting efforts need to slow down for the season. But did you know that composting during fall and winter can be just as beneficial — if not more so — than during the warmer months? While the cold can slow down decomposition, there are numerous advantages to keeping your compost pile active throughout the colder seasons. Keep reading for a few tips and tricks that will help you boost your compost pile this fall and winter! 

Make Use of Your Leaves 

If you have trees in your neighborhood, you know all about the bounty of dead leaves that come with Fall. Thankfully, these organic works of art are one of the best materials for compost! These leaves are rich in carbon, which is an essential ingredient in a healthy compost pile. Mixing them with kitchen scraps and garden waste creates a well-balanced compost and you’re reducing waste in your yard! 

Reduce Kitchen Waste 

Did you know that composting year-round reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills? By giving organic waste a chance to nurture your garden year round, you’ll be helping to eliminate some of the gasses that are produced from landfills which can be harmful to our Earth. Kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, and eggshells can still be added to the pile even in the colder temperatures of Fall and Winter. 

Composting in Snowy Conditions

Thankfully for Midwesterners, snow can benefit your compost pile in several ways. While heavy snowfall can cool the surface, a good layer acts as an insulator, helping to trap heat inside the compost pile. This keeps the core of the pile warmer, allowing decomposition to continue despite the cold, and can even protect your compost from severe temperature drops! Melting snow is a great natural tool, too. As the snow melts, water will get into your compost pile, ensuring that the core stays moist but not too wet. 

Saving Time and Effort for Spring

By composting steadily throughout fall and winter, you reduce the amount of work you’ll have to do come spring. Instead of rushing to build and maintain a compost pile when the weather warms up, you’ll have a head start on a beautiful, rich and nourishing compost pile for your garden. This means less time spent on compost management and more time focused on planting and enjoying your garden!

While the colder months may seem like a slow period for gardening, composting through fall and winter — including during snowy conditions — offers numerous benefits that will help you to have a better garden in the spring. From reducing waste to enriching your soil, there’s no reason to stop composting when temperatures drop. With a few extra steps to maintain your pile, you can create rich, healthy compost year-round — making your garden more vibrant and sustainable come spring. Happy composting!

Tags: Compost, Composting, composting tips, fall 2024, gardening, gardening in fall, gardening in winter, home tips, homeowner tips, winter 2024

Categories: DIY, Homeowner, How to, Quarterly Newsletter, Shorewest Tips