Maintaining a Compost Heap or Pile in the Winter - Maximizing Heat

Maintenance of a compost heap or pile in the winter should be pre-planned, for maximum efficacy. Of course, the type of compost heap or pile is relevant when planning for the winter months. Most people that have lived at an ecovillage could tell you there is not one standard type of compost heap or pile. As a former inhabitant of an ecovillage, I am no different. However, one rule always applies. Large amounts of mass hold large amounts of heat. Conversely, small amounts of mass hold small amounts of heat. This is important because heat is a factor in the success of a compost pile or heap.

Anyone with a compost pile or heap typically has more than one. Once one pile is large enough, a second heap is started. The first pile processes while the second heap is created. As previously mentioned, heat is a factor in the processing of compost. Thus, the first pile must be large before a second heap is started. Additionally, location is important. Specifically, sun (southern) exposure is desirable. If there is minimal shade around the compost heap or pile, then there is maximum chance for sun exposure.

Since heat is important to compost heaps and piles, it is especially important during the winter. Since less heat is available, gardeners should maximize available heat. Do not start a new compost pile or heap too close to the cold weather months. This time frame will vary depending on the climate and rate at which a gardener's compost pile or heap grows. By delaying starting a new pile, mass is increased. Therefore, heat trapped is increased. In order to maximize trapping of heat in the winter, do not mix the compost heap.

A gardener who prunes shade bearing trees and shrubbery increases sun exposure. Since sun exposure increases heat, maintaining a shade free environment for a compost heap or pile is a valid winter strategy. Another winter strategy is covering the compost heap. While living at an ecovillage, we covered compost heaps with tin. It was readily available. Use something that is readily available, so as to produce less waste. As always, after adding scraps to the compost heap, cover them. We used straw or kudzu. This strategy also keeps the heat inside the compost pile.

Rock barriers can also produce heat. These can come in the form of walls or merely a circle of rocks surrounding the compost heap. Obviously, entire walls will reflect and preserve more heat, but they are not necessary. With a large compost heap that acquires a lot of sun, heat can be maintained inside a compost pile during the winter months. For worms and micro-organisms, the warm center will be a pleasant retreat from the winter weather. That's good for the worms, micro-organisms and you. Create a nice winter home for worms and micro-organisms and the compost pile will work even in the winter months.