compost

Should I cover my compost pile for the winter?

I never did cover mine. I always liked the good soaking it got. I think it rots better, especially if you aren't keeping it turned. Course I'm way down south so things might need to be done differently in cold country. Hope someone from your area with experience can help you out.

It gets pretty cold here on the plains of north Texas and we never cover our compost piles. The rain/snow help with the decomposition.

Is it possible to start a compost pile going into Autumn? I'm wondering if there wouldn't be enough heat generated from sunlight. My plan is to build up the sides with a sturdy wire fencing from the farm co-op and make a frame of wood and chicken wire to keep out the neighborhood cats. I can also get big plastic drums from work that have lids for another option. We have lots of cats running around here.

This message was edited Oct 29, 2009 9:43 AM

The heat comes from inside the compost pile not outside. As the pile begins to decompose it starts to heat up. That is what kills the grass and weed seeds. I always started mine in the fall when the leaves began to fall.

Just use the leaves for the brown matter and grass cuttings/weeds for the green matter.

omg I have to mow too!? just kidding :) I'd have to go walk the yard and find all the dog bones and toys our Golden Retriever hides. Hitting those big ol' bones with a mower is not fun lol....

I have 3 foot tall weeds in the alley behind my yard. Just pull a few and throw them into the mix. Green and brown makes good stuff. I also usually put a little bit of already made compost in there to get it primed and ready.

I always through in a couple of hands full of ammonia fertilizer to help start the process.

The compost--simply a must for all gardens--the small and the big. Here up north we have and have not covered ours through the years. However--We've learned a little trick through the years--cover with straw through the winters--get it extra, extra hot--almost fire level--keeps the field mice and other critters out including the garden cats; kills weed seeds, etc... Also by covering the compost you can keep it active-and continue to add in throughout the whole year--even tossing it so it is ready for spring. Remember the bottom to layer a row of branches, sticks giving a little air so the work of nature can begin. Layer your compost--green, brown, kitchen waste (no meat) more like the remains of your pepper, the brocolli stalks if you do not use them, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc.. and a little water for moisture. Good Luck!

2gone fishing (35 plus years garden now part of the Certified National Wildlife Federation Habitat titled: "God's Garden" garden)

Thank for all the help! You can put weeds in the compost pile? I thought I read that you shouldn't put those in???

Putting weeds in won't hurt. I personally don't put woody type weeds in because it takes longer for them to break down.

I do not cover my compost pile in winter. I do throw in weeds because by the time I get around to using the good stuff at the bottom (read I don't turn it very often if at all) all the bad stuff has been burned off, carried away by birds, worms etc that I've not had any trouble spreading the weeds. I will say that when I pull out the extra ivy, and wild carrot...those go straight to the city trash....I have enough of that.

I have grubs in my compost...anyone have that awful problem? They are gross, and I am pretty earth friendly!

Those are bird food, especially this time of year when there are clutches of new bird babies to feed.

Drop them in your bird feeder/tray, and watch the food fight evolve to see who gets them first....