How can I compost in cold weather?
Question:How can I get heat into my compost bin in cold weather?
Answers:
You do not need to put heat into a compost pile in winter. For the most efficient composting, use a pile that is between 3' x 3' to 5' x 5' (27-125 cu. ft.). This allows the center of the pile to heat up sufficiently to break down materials. The center of a composting pile will heat up to 185 degrees F. Make sure that your pile is built up to the optimal 3 to 5' cubed. There is enough insulation provided by the composting material at this size that it will continue to compost in the winter.
don't worry about it.
If the composting stuff is "cooking" the pile will be over 100 deg inside even if its got snow on top.
If it gets cold enough to quit... it'll start back up when the temperature rises again.
Nature works.
Try using a worm farm, although the worms do slow down in winter they do generate their own heat and are a lot faster than normal bacterial composting.
Make sure the worm compost pile is well insulated and the worms will happily munch through your waste in no time!
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