[Mary]

How do you compost in freezing weather? Lived in Florida 50 years so we’re ignorant.

I recently relocated from Florida, where composting was straightforward thanks to the warm weather. However, now I’m living in a much colder climate where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

I want to continue composting my kitchen and garden waste but am unsure how to manage a compost system in these conditions.

What are the best methods for keeping a compost pile active when it’s cold outside?
Should I insulate the bin, or are there specific materials or strategies that work better in freezing temperatures?

Is it necessary to pause composting altogether during winter, or can decomposition still occur despite the cold?

I’d love to hear practical advice, tips, or creative solutions from those experienced with composting through harsh winters.

Any suggestions on maintaining a balance between green and brown materials, preventing the pile from freezing solid, or speeding up the process would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for sharing your insights!

[Doreen]

I mowed over my leaves in the Fall which helped speed up the process. Turn with a pitchfork. I had 4 geo bins, pulled up, moved, and placed in the second one.

This helped place bottom contents on the top, and the last added goes to the bottom.

Also add manure, and blend house scraps helps break down leaves and add heat. Takes much longer, but well worth it.

I moved from MD to FL and had to learn the FL way.

[Beverly]

If you have room in your freezer stockpile compost stuff in bread bags. Then the first sign of warm weather dump it in your compost pile, layered with leaves or shredded paper so as it thaws it’s starting to work it’s magic

[April]

We’re not allowed to compost. It would bring the bears and other snacky fluffs into town.

[Linda]

I live in northern Canada and today it is -35C outside. Unbelievable but if I lift my outdoor compost bin lid there is still heat coming off of the compost and it is still working.

I have three bins on the go at all times as it is slower.

[Kimberly]

We had a barrel composter with worms. We would do it the aame way all year round. Some of the worms did freeze in the winter so we would just add more in the spring.

[Sunshine]

Don’t put it on a sealed up tote and leave it in a garage…lol my husband had tried that and didn’t turn it nor allow for ventilation so he got a gross rotted stink instead. Learning is fun..

[Donna]

We just continue to add. When weather improves we give it a good stir.

[Charlene]

I used to be an environmental manger at large compost facilities in Northern Illinois. The pikes continued “cooking” all winter long.

If you have a decent sized pile the interior should be hot.

You might be able to turn small amounts into the pile, just don’t expose the entire center where the bugs are doing their work.

[Sherri]

We just keep adding to the bin all winter. It’s still warm and working.

[Bob]

At most, it will slow down. The compost will have sufficient heat to maintain itself during the cold spell.

I live in the north.

I add to my composter all winter and in the spring when everything thaws, it comes out of “hibernation”.

[Rick]

Just go ahead and add to your compost. The process of decomposition generates its own heat.

If too cold it slows down but will pick up again in warmer weather.

[Sadie]

You can still compost during the winter but, expect break down to be very very slow

[Nesha]

You maybe able to have a hot enough setup that it will be active through the winter, but any stuff you dump on top will just freeze.

Once it’s spring and everything thaws, give it a good turn and let it carry on.

We live in a condo now and I pay for commercial compost pick up.

[Becky]

It will still decompose, it just takes longer. The compost pile makes its own heat as things break down

[Varvara]

I’m no expert though I’m in Finland, but we have a big insulated composter. It doesn’t freeze all the way through as long as things are happening the way they should, the top layer does sometimes freeze, however.

I don’t see any problems once it’s thawed.

Someone told me never to try thawing it out by pouring liquids in.

[Author]

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