How to Protect Compost Heaps from Frost: Here's What to Sprinkle Them With

15.11.2023 06:50

In November, summer residents should start preparing their gardens and vegetable plots for the coming winter.

During this period, it is necessary to provide trees and shrubs with protection from low temperatures, diseases and pests.

But it's not just the plants that need attention. Don't forget about the contents of the compost pit.

If you do not protect organic fertilizer from frost, it will freeze and lose its effectiveness.

But how exactly can you protect your compost heap from low temperatures and other adverse weather conditions? This question was answered by an expert from the online publication BelNovosti, agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

compost
Photo: © Belnovosti

What to sprinkle on compost heaps

The ideal option is peat. And the top "layer" should be straw.

Thanks to this protection, the “preparation” of fertilizer will not stop even in the most severe frosts.

There are other good ways to insulate a compost heap. We are talking about using tree branches or shrubs. Or you can use sawdust.

Is it necessary to cover the compost heap with film?

There is no clear answer to this question. Sometimes you can do without using covering material.

But in most cases, it is still necessary to cover the compost. For this purpose, you can use polyethylene. Or you can use spunbond if the summer resident does not want to deprive the compost of access to air and moisture.

Author: Kurchev Anton Deputy Editor-in-Chief
 
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh Expert / Belnovosti

Content
  1. What to sprinkle on compost heaps
  2. Is it necessary to cover the compost heap with film?