Compost in Winter

Question

I’m making my first attempt at composting. My composting bin consists of 2 pallets set about 4 feet apart and up against a chain-link fence as a backing. I live in Zone 5. What do I do with/about the compost pile over the winter? Does it go dormant? Can I add to it thru the winter?

Thanks

Answer 1

You can just leave it. You can add to it, though what you add will likely not decompose much, but the cold will keep it from smelling until it gets warm again and the composting begins again.

Some compost heaps in your zone can continue to compost if they are kept active because they will stay hot. This would require regular turning, though and, to be honest, the warm pile and food tends to attract animals in the winter so you are best letting it slow down and rest for the winter.