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Composting in a northern climate presents a set of unique challenges. Heat occurs spontaneously in a compost heap and if optimum heat is not achieved the decomposition process slows down.
Peace River Regional District and the rest of northern Canada is frozen for an extended period of time each year and during this time the composting process stops completely.
Does this mean you shouldn’t add items to your compost in the winter? Of course not!
The process of materials freezing in winter and thawing in spring actually speeds up the decomposition process so important to composting. So keep those food scraps coming!
As the weather gets colder it is a good idea to stop turning your compost pile. This ensures that your pile will hold its heat as long as possible.
Before winter sets in…
Free up some space. Empty as much material from your composter directly into your garden.
Build a base of leaves. Put about 12 inches of leaves at the bottom of your composter. Don't forget to save some bags of leaves for the spring!
Cover your composter with a black, plastic sheet. The sheet holds in heat from the sun and encourages bacterial growth.
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