The processes in the compost should not come to a standstill in winter, otherwise undesirable processes can occur. If you pay attention to a few aspects and protect the compost properly, you will promote rotting at low temperatures.
How do I care for the compost in winter?
To support compost in winter, mix compost material in the fall, add structural material such as straw or shredded wood debris, protect the compost from rain and snow, and add small amounts of wood ash weekly.
Preparations in autumn
Mix the compost thoroughly in autumn so that the moisture is optimally distributed. Shifting provides ventilation so that the rotting processes are positively influenced. This measure reduces the formation of rot in spring. You can take this opportunity to remove part of the substrate and store it in a frost-protected place in the garden shed or garage. This gives you an ideal approach to creating new compost next spring.
Structural material
In winter, the compost requires structural material such as straw or shredded remains of tree and shrub cuttings. The material ensures that the compost contents remain loosened up. The cold temperatures in winter cause the cells of the organic material to freeze. When they thaw in spring, they burst and release liquid. If there is insufficient ventilation, a putrefying mass will form that will give off unpleasant odors.
In autumn, collect fallen leaves and woody debris and dry them in a warm place. Chop up the leftovers and mix them with the kitchen waste before adding them to the compost.
Ideal for compost is a mixture of:
- 20 to 40 percent dry material such as wood cuttings
- 60 to 80 percent moist nitrogen-rich material such as kitchen waste
Protection from rain and snow
In winter you need to protect the compost from rain and snow so that too much moisture does not accumulate inside. Cover an open compost with a jute bag. Alternatively, we recommend a compost fleece (€116.00 on Amazon) or a mulching film. Airtight covers such as plastic films are unsuitable because they promote undesirable rotting processes. The microorganisms in compost need oxygen for their metabolism to work.
Additional measures
Add small amounts of wood ash to the compost weekly. The ash contains lime, phosphate and potassium, which create a balance of organic acids and bases. Make sure you use the dosage sparingly so as not to s alt the substrate. Excessive amounts of wood ash damage soil organisms. Coal ash is not suitable for compost because the heavy metal content is very high.