Just wanting to know what I can do for my compost pile. I do have the plastic compost bin, started it this summer and doing fine.....then it got cold and when I first discovered the other day that it was freezing up I did cover the bin with a plastic sheet and also a blanket. What else can I add or do to correct this problem?????

I don't know how you can keep it from freezing,but freezing won't hurt it, it will only slow it down.

Add more rich nitrogen stuff and water to your compost!
In the winter you have to make the compost "hotter" by putting less carbon products in it. Try green weeds from woods or road sides. Try animal manures, corn meal or other protein meals, blood meal, cattle or pet foods, etc.

Hope this helps.

The heat comes from the micro herd in the compost doing its' thing. When it gets cold they go into dormancy. This is normal. You can add more manure to get the compost hot again but the new material will set back your pile by about 9 months so it is best to just let it sit and it should be all ready to use as so as it thaws.

I agree. I let my compost freeze in the winter if it freezes. Chances are, in the very center, stuff is still breaking down. Come spring rains, things will get cooking again double time.

I try to dig mine out in the fall - get all the good dirt out. I store it in 55 gal trashcans until spring. Mine freezes up during winter, which slows it down - luckily the farm rats turn it for me.

Dear Georgia,
I have the same composter and the same problem. If possible you could surround it with bales of straw. That may help keep it from freezing so hard. I try to get a pitch fork in there and stir it up as late in the year as possible. The aeration is important in a covered plastic bin composter. One of the previous suggestions is very good and I thought of it my self too late this year. Before it freezes, transfer the good stuff to a plastic garbage can and keep putting the fresh stuff in the composter. Then do what you can to keep it warm. This spring I will tip the bin over, fork the good stuff into the garden and put the rest back in the bin. Then start all over. Good luck.
Scott

I feel so bad....this website it new for me and after I posted my question...I kept forgetting to see if anyone heard me...lol. I am so glad to get all your responses. Thank you. I guess I can stop worrying...I will add some heat to it, and yes insulating it sounds like a great idea, I have checked it and it seems just the top is what froze....so I think I am in luck. Again thanks so much for hearing me......georgia