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Upa Creek, Mo

I was wondering what people do to their bins over winter if open like mine to accelerate the break down process. Should I place a tarp over it and let it air out on warm days or just leave open? It is 90% leaves and the rest is coffee grounds, eggs, fruit etc.

Below is a link that shows a pic of it last winter. It's overflowing right now with about 5 more yards of leaves to add. Thanks

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=150510

12/13/2011 4:00:15 PM

South Hero, VT

Check out abbynormal's diary. He is The Man when it comes to composting.

It you want to leave it alone after mixing it up, insulate it with hay, tarps, whatever.

Here's an article from Organic Gardening on winter composting: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/cold-weather-compost?cm_mmc=LivingLightlyNL-_-750892-_-12122011-_-cold_weather_compost

12/13/2011 4:18:14 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

IF you insulate it will continue working...we had a perforated L shaped pipe in the middle like a chimney for new air flow.

12/13/2011 6:07:46 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thank you both.

I have some left over plastic piping that you bury for yard drainage with plenty of holes in it. I'll probably put a tarp over the bin, and have 2 pipes run through it crossing over side to side and top to bottom.

12/13/2011 6:55:01 PM