Leaflets
Information Leaflet #6
Winter Composting
The winter weather in Newfoundland and Labrador can start early in
fall and last throughout spring. While the process of
decomposition will slow down greatly or even stop when temperatures
drop, you can continue adding waste to your compost pile throughout
the winter. Even in mid-winter the large leaf piles at MUN
Botanical Garden remain warm in the middle, indicating
decomposition is occurring.
Here are some winter-composting tips:
1. Position your compost bin in a sunny,
wind-sheltered spot.
2. Make sure your bin is accessible in the snowy
weather.
3. In the fall, remove finished compost and dig
it into your flower and vegetable beds.
4. Stockpile bags of leaves, and use them
throughout the winter to layer with the "greens" as usual.
5. Start a worm compost bin or vermicomposter
inside your house. As long as you keep the worms warm, they
will break down your kitchen waste for you throughout the year.
If you decide to stop composting in the winter, you can store your
kitchen scraps in a covered bucket or garbage bin outside.
When spring arrives, dig them into your heap and cover them with a
layer of soil or dry leaves. Keep in mind that kitchen scraps
are high in nitrogen and need to be mixed with lots of dry leaves,
grass, paper or other "browns" in order to compost properly.
(For more information on building your compost, please refer to
Information Leaflet #4 of this series).
