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 It
could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched
since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long,
cold winter can be intimidating, but it is possible with a little
bit of time and careful management. For a successful compost pile,
assess a starting point, turn the pile, manage inputs, and repeat
for a hot pile in no time.
Assessing the Pile
As soon as the outdoors allows for a workday in the garden, check to
see how the compost pile or bin is doing. Be sure to see if there
have been any unintended additions over the winter, such as large
branches or trash. It is also important to check if any parts of the
bin are broken; maybe the wood is cracked, or the plastic is broken.
Following the inspection, decide if repairs are needed before going
ahead.
Now that the bin is structurally sound, see if any part of it is
still active or if it froze through. Active compost piles produce
heat. Look for some finished compost at the bottom or middle of the
pile or steam coming off the pile. If the pile has either of these
things, the pile is likely still cooking.
Turning the Pile
The next step is to turn the compost pile. This will take some
muscle. Use a pitchfork to mix the materials and incorporate air
into the pile. Composting is a recipe; the beneficial organisms that
do the work need the right combination of air, water, carbon, and
nitrogen. The goal is to provide the perfect home for these
organisms to do their work, so compost is created at the end of the
process. After the winter thaw, compost piles are likely to be wet
and soggy rather than dry. If a pile is wet, don’t add water and
just turn it. If a pile is dry, adding water will add moisture. [to top of second
column] |
Managing Inputs
Next up is adding more brown and green material to the pile. These
are carbon and nitrogen sources. In general, add about three parts
carbon material to one part nitrogen by volume. This means that for
every bucket of greens added, add three buckets of brown material.
Some carbon sources include dry leaves, straw, pine needles, and
sawdust. Some nitrogen sources include fruit and vegetable kitchen
scraps, grass clippings, and plant trimmings.
Always continue to monitor the pile. Water it when dry and turn it
at least once a week. Follow these steps to get a compost pile
working again in no time.
Download Extension’s Winter Composting info sheet for more tips at
go.illinois.edu/WinterComposting.
Learn more about composting at extension.illinois.edu/composting.
[SOURCE: Gemini Bhalsod, University
of Illinois Extension, Horticulture Educator]
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