Winter Composting: Keep Your Pile Active Through the Cold

Decomposition slows in winter but doesn't stop. Microbes, molds, mites keep working—they need food and warmth.

Pre-Winter Prep

• Harvest finished compost to free space.
• Insulate bin: straw bales, leaf bags, or move to garage/shed.

Winter Management

• Layer greens and browns as usual.
• Turn less often—turning loses heat. Minimal turning only.
• Chop scraps small; shred leaves—cold slows breakdown.
• Keep moist, not soggy.
• Spring thaw = wet pile. Add browns to absorb excess.

Pro Tip

Keep a lidded kitchen bucket for scraps. Fewer cold trips. Layer in bucket; partially decomposed by the time it hits the main pile.

Winter composting is low-effort. Maintain the basics; nature handles the rest.