Winter Compost - Ask Extension
I have been filling this compost all year, and than the weather changed, being unable to empty it. If weather does not warm up and I don’t get a cha...
Knowledgebase
Winter Compost #854438
Asked October 31, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT
I have been filling this compost all year, and than the weather changed, being unable to empty it. If weather does not warm up and I don’t get a chance to spread it to desired places, can it sit in the composter all winter. I don’t plan on adding anymore material until spring. Do you know if anyone who left their plastic composter 3/4 full and stopped composting all winter and was able to than use in spring, with out damage to the composter. Composter is about 2foot x 2 foot x 3.5 foot tall.
Charlevoix County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, compost from a 3/4 full composter can be used next spring. The composting process is complete when the material in the composter has turned into a dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling substance. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
The compost should be ready to use when it no longer heats up, and the original materials are no longer recognizable. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
The size of your composter is approximately 2 feet x 2 feet x 3.5 feet. If you have been adding organic waste to your composter regularly, it should be about 3/4 full by now. According to Michigan State University Extension, composting can take anywhere from two months to two years, depending on the method used and the materials being composted. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
If you started composting in the spring or summer, your compost should be ready to use by next spring. However, if you start composting in the fall or winter, it may take longer for the material to break down completely. More information at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
Other references at these links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/composting
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/composting_a_smart_gardening_practice_to_recycle_garden_and_yard_waste
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM PENN STATE UNIVERSITY & UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Yes, it is possible to leave a plastic composter 3/4 full and stop composting all winter, and then use it in the spring without damaging the composter. According to Penn State Extension, to ensure that compost is available for spring planting, start your compost pile in the fall while cleaning up your garden and preparing it for winter. The compost pile goes dormant during the winter, but it will begin to decompose again when air temperatures increase above 50°F. Another pile can also be started in the spring for fall planting. More information at this link: https://extension.psu.edu/home-composting-a-guide-for-home-gardeners
However, it is not a good idea to use unfinished compost in the garden. The material should be fully broken down before you put it in the garden. The pile should no longer be generating heat after it is turned. Adding “hot” compost to the garden could have adverse effects on your plants. More information at these links:
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/composting-home-gardener-fact-sheet
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/11/can-you-compost-winter
I hope this information helps!
Yes, compost from a 3/4 full composter can be used next spring. The composting process is complete when the material in the composter has turned into a dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling substance. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
The compost should be ready to use when it no longer heats up, and the original materials are no longer recognizable. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
The size of your composter is approximately 2 feet x 2 feet x 3.5 feet. If you have been adding organic waste to your composter regularly, it should be about 3/4 full by now. According to Michigan State University Extension, composting can take anywhere from two months to two years, depending on the method used and the materials being composted. More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
If you started composting in the spring or summer, your compost should be ready to use by next spring. However, if you start composting in the fall or winter, it may take longer for the material to break down completely. More information at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/soils-compost/
Other references at these links:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/composting
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/composting_a_smart_gardening_practice_to_recycle_garden_and_yard_waste
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM PENN STATE UNIVERSITY & UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Yes, it is possible to leave a plastic composter 3/4 full and stop composting all winter, and then use it in the spring without damaging the composter. According to Penn State Extension, to ensure that compost is available for spring planting, start your compost pile in the fall while cleaning up your garden and preparing it for winter. The compost pile goes dormant during the winter, but it will begin to decompose again when air temperatures increase above 50°F. Another pile can also be started in the spring for fall planting. More information at this link: https://extension.psu.edu/home-composting-a-guide-for-home-gardeners
However, it is not a good idea to use unfinished compost in the garden. The material should be fully broken down before you put it in the garden. The pile should no longer be generating heat after it is turned. Adding “hot” compost to the garden could have adverse effects on your plants. More information at these links:
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/composting-home-gardener-fact-sheet
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/11/can-you-compost-winter
I hope this information helps!
