In the winter season, the garden is put to a temporary rest, but that does not mean that all life and processes that could help us to have a better harvest next year stop. For example, we are talking about composting as a process that we can support with a few basic steps.
Compost is basically a microcosm that manages itself, and if we give it the opportunity, it will bring all the processes that take place in it to perfection. It is full of microorganisms that produce the heat needed to break down biological material. If we help them to manage everything without problems even in the winter, we don’t have to waste a minute of time when the compost works for itself – and therefore for us. At the end of the whole process it will be valuable humus prepared for spring planting.
How to make the right compost?
The right ratio of green and brown matter
Mr. Karel Malý, a long-time experienced gardener, has his own experience with compost care, which he was happy to share with us. “The basis of any proper compost is the correct ratio of the so-called green and brown components. Green is what is simply green, or raw materials with a higher water content. It can be mowed grass, leftover vegetables after kitchen processing and the like. The main thing is that they contain a large amount of nitrogen,” explained the gardener, who also added the characteristics of the brown material to his information. “For everything to work as it should, we need to get every part of nitrogen into the compost three parts carbon. The brown component is used for this purpose, which (as we estimate) is basically brown and dry. We can choose wood chips, sawdust, dry leaves or even hay. It is the perfect fuel that microorganisms need for their work“, he stated.
A big enough pile
So we should be clear about the correct ratio of compost composition, but of course that is not all. For the winter period, the rule clearly applies that a larger pile will always be more successful. It’s simple, in short, heat is better retained in a larger volume and . Let’s remember that for the process of converting biological material into humus, we need an accumulated volume at least one cubic meter (but that’s really only a minimum basis). If you use compost, try to fill it with material into the smallest possible pieces before winter. That way, microorganisms can handle it much better.
So that the compost does not freeze
“Compost is also needed protect from freezing. We can hide the composter at least to the leeward side, but we would not move the classic pile. That’s why we can cover with a layer of straw, for example or surround it with a barrier made of non-woven fabric, which we attach to pins driven around the entire compost,” further advised Mr. Malý.
Adequate humidity is important
For compost to work, it needs to have . If it is too dry, life in it will stop, if it gets too wet it will start to rot and it can freeze in winter. Moisture that resembles a wrung-out sponge is ideal. It is therefore not a mistake to add a little water to the compost in too dry periods.
You can’t do it without air
Likewise, take care of his aeration. The decomposition that takes place in it is an aerobic process, i.e. one that needs enough air. If he doesn’t have it, you will soon feel it from the compost unpleasant smell of rotting material. It will be enough if you pile up from time to time you pierce with a solid rodto allow air to reach the heated core.
Top up in the appropriate proportion
If you are going to add more waste to the compost in the winter, don’t forget that it is necessary during this period as well observe the specified ratio of 1:3 in favor of the brown, i.e. carbonaceous, component. If we observe these conditions for successful decomposition inside the compost, we can look forward to quality nutrients for our new plants. You will certainly appreciate our winter effort.
