How To Compost In Winter

[@crazidirtbiker]

You have hands down the best composting videos on KZbin. I watched your other video I think maybe 2 years ago when I first got into composting. I always referred back to that video any time I got confused and watched it multiple times through during my beginning stages of learning. I’ve came along way since then and just wanna say thank you. All these years later I came back to the composting community on KZbin to see some winter tips and who do I see but my favorite compost guy lol. You can imagine how excited I was to watch this. Out of all the videos on KZbin yours always just made the most sense and helped more then others. I don’t think I’d be as good at composting as I am without your content. Its Always a pleasure thanks again.

[@growitbuildit]

THANK YOU! I really appreciate it!

[@TEPO--]

Agreed and much appreciated❄️

[@denisaugustine4478]

I made it to the end and enjoyed watching. Great video. This is the first winter I’m composting. I live in Canada , and built 3 piles in the month of November. Mostly leaves, shredded paper, saw dust and planer chips mixed with kitchen scraps , pumpkins and coffee grounds as you say. There was in the first pile several plants and garden clean up also. It’s freezing temps for the last week , but the piles were off to a good start and had built up to core temps of 140 degrees F . I find different opinions on turning winter piles but I’m looking forward to trying to keep it actively going. The 3 piles I have total in volume of approximately 4.5 cubic yards in my large composting bins made of scrap plywood and T posts. I plan on turning and making it into at least 2 piles having already acquired 60 gallons of coffee grounds and 20 gallons of pumpkins so look forward to finished compost by spring. Thanks for sharing your experience and the good info.

[@dtedder4]

Made it to the end. Great tips for the winter composting. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

@dtedder4 you're very welcome. Good luck!

[@Elense957]

Thank you for not playing loud music, not beating around the bush for the first 10 minutes, talking about what you plan to talk about in the video. Right to the point, very appreciated!!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck with your compost this winter

[@adriansun2999]

Thank you for saying that.

[@Simply_Eden]

My daughter brings me “gifts” from her work. She works for a boba tea cafe. All year I get tea leaves, coffee grounds, and fruit rinds. I hope she never leaves that job! I made it to the end 🎃

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much - I'm glad you enjoyed the 'appendix'. And that is awesome - you've got a never ending supply of green material!

[@victoriagolmehdi8506]

Thrilled to see this because, as I watch this, the pile of pumpkins that have arrived on my drive is growing. I put out a notice on the local face book page and people are only too happy to have somewhere other than the household waste. I also get the coffee grounds and spent hops from the local brewery. When I have the chance I gather seaweed from the beach after a storm and this is a welcome addition to the pile. Love composting, it is a kind of alchemy and also nurtures my maternal sense as I feed the earth and make it happy!

[@growitbuildit]

Wow - you are on top of it Victoria! You are going to make one seriously hot pile. Nice work!

[@randall3685]

Made it to the end! On behalf of all the Canadians🇨🇦 watching (and others outside of North America) THANK YOU so much for adding the Fahrenheit to Celsius conversions. 🙏🏾🙏🏻🙏🙏🏿👏🏽👏🏻👏👏🏾

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Randall! I understand the pain of unit conversion quite well.

[@DrSlobGoblin]

Similar tip to hitting up coffee shops for grounds, find any local places with salad bars. They'll usually save the nightly throw-away if you ask them to. Probably have to give them a couple of buckets. A better, but harder one, is if you can get a local Subway to do the same. That's a lot of nightly throw away if you're trying to accumulate a lot of greens.

[@growitbuildit]

That is an excellent idea Terri - thank you for sharing. That is really a good suggestion.

[@julianokleby1448]

Love that idea! Thanks for sharing and happy composting!

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Great tip! I will add that if you keep an eye on FB marketplace and those sorts of resources, you can sometimes find *food grade* buckets and lids for really good prices. I pay no more than two-three bucks for 5-gallon pails and a dollar for lids. When food packing companies etc use them, they're only allowed to use them once then they have to sell them or have them carted away somehow. One local source I've gotten such buckets from is a charity group that gets them by the pallet-full and sells them to raise money for their work, so that's a win-win-win. Feels nice. Firehouse Subs chains sell their pickle buckets and lids for I think 2 dollars - they smell like pickles of course but if that bothers you, scrubbing them with a paste made of baking soda and water removes the vinegar smell. I tried that on a whim and it works, but I don't really think it's neccesary. Other restaurants may be able to help you find buckets as well as food waste, too. In contrast to all those sources, the paint pails found at big box stores are not food grade (they actually stink like "chemicals" if you poke your nose in them), they're thin and flimsy, and they cost too much. Tractor Supply Co and similar places do carry new sturdy, food grade buckets, but they want almost six dollars for them, without a lid. I only buy those if I really need a couple right away and don't want to wait till I find a better deal.

[@spir5102]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 thank you for the great suggestions. I love that we fellow composters and gardeners help each other out with tips like this. I found a Fire house sub near me, so I'm going to check them out for buckets. Happy composting!

[@spir5102]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 Love your name too. Lol.

[@haarpanoid]

Of course I made it till the end... Longer does not mean boring, all your videos are dynamic and educative all the way, well put together with zero "me-me-me" beat-killer content. Thank you for sharing, and hope the algorithm treats you well.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Sometimes it treats me really well, sometimes not. But thank you very much for your support!

[@Mstymntntop]

Great video showing how the compost has been going over time. I love videos like this that show the time lapse and not just instructions and the first shot of what was done.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Jeff. I agree with you in regards to the format. By showing the whole process you not only prove that it works, but also give people many more insights and visual tips then they get from just a brief video on pile construction.

[@marybk882]

Made it to the end. I compost all winter too, zone 4b, but we toss our material in a tall (thigh high) garden box. We don't turn. It warms up enough in the spring to thaw and decompose almost completely before it's warm enough to plant anything in the spring.

[@DCEventphoto]

Share a photo

[@mrf5347]

@@DCEventphoto Yes Please, a picture of the box build

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds like you've got a good system Mary. Do you just toss kitchen scraps all Winter? Or add other ingredients too?

[@marybk882]

@@growitbuildit it's mostly kitchen scraps but until freeze up we layer in fallen leaves that we have been collecting. This year I scored dozens of bags of plant debris and old potting soil from an apartment complex that I'm going to layer in too. I have 10 boxes, approx 3ft x 6ft, so I have a lot to keep filled!

[@growitbuildit]

Wow! That's a lot of boxes

[@the_green_anna]

I don't know how many times i have watched this video now... Never get tired of it! 💚 Please give us more composting and mulching videos. You do an excellent job. 👌

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Anna. I will make more videos on composting. It just takes me a long time! But I've got a couple ideas for new ones. I just want to make sure I'm adding some new information, or covering a new aspect.

[@ponytaclub5539]

Made it to the end:) I’m also in Pennsylvania zone 6🥳 you videos are the most useful, easily digestible and down to practice out of everything on KZbin (and I watched A LOT), thanks a ton for your effort and talent put into this! I’m a first year gardener with many projects in works and in plans, your resources are my manual.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm very happy you are finding my videos useful. I like to garden 'on the cheap'. And I've gotten to a point that the only time I have to buy something is if I expand and need some fencing or posts, etc. Oh, and perhaps a few bucks in veggie seeds each year. Good luck!

[@annettezamora7845]

I made it to the end. I'm in zone 5B. This was very informative and easy to understand. Hoping to have a productive compost pile this winter.

[@growitbuildit]

@Anette Zamora Thank you so much. And good luck on your pile this Winter!

[@bethh.172]

You don’t save your garden’s seeds?

[@growitbuildit]

@Beth H, I do save most of my veggie seeds. But I often try a couple new ones that I buy

[@ctraugh2005]

Made it to the end of the video. Very informative, and I love that you took the time to document many months of composting and not just tell us how to do it. The results are awesome. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - and I'm very glad you found it helpful. Good luck this winter!

[@piccadillypie]

Thanks for the foresight and consistency you put into this video. Really appreciate it as another cold winter gardener/composter.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kevin - that means a lot. This video was a long time coming. I just wanted to make sure I got out before Halloween so everyone could ask their neighbors for the pumpkins!

[@benkyleryan]

Thanks from CO

[@growitbuildit]

@Carol Avery you are welcome

[@jcessna4441]

I too am in South Central PA and just started my first pile a couple of weeks ago. I like the fact that you build your piles on the ground rather than creating bins to hold your piles. Keeping it simple seems easiest. Love your videos and down to earth advice!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! One should never over-complicate anything, let alone composting.

[@henrymetcalf5407]

I watched your video all the way through and it has been so helpful!! I am just starting out and I had no idea of what to do during winter!! This is amazing!! Thank you for making this!!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Henry - I'm glad I could help you out. Good luck this Winter!

[@Cookontherun7391]

Made it to the end. Zone 4 Canada. We were composting on the ground much like yours. This year we built 3 - 4x4 pallet boxes. One has 30 year old manure; a straw bin and the compost pile. We put a 5 ft. Plumper pipe with perforations from bottom to top. I really like your idea to save food scraps in 5 gallon pails that will definitely help with the freezing factor. Just bought a thermometer for the first time. Typically we work the pile until it freezes solid in December and hope like hell something happened over winter. So far so good but hopefully this new system will be more efficient and less work. Thank you so much for sharing. Saved to my gardening file. ❤️🇨🇦

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I am very happy you enjoyed the video. The 5-gallon bucket trick really helps out for storing up those kitchen scraps. But good luck up there in zone 4 - you definitely have a tougher situation than I do. Oh and look at the Calendar....Halloween was yesterday.....time to start looking for pumpkins!

[@Loyal2law]

Coming from your first compost tutorial, this is a huge help! Made it to the end, and what a beautiful compost! Will be asking for pumpkins now from on for this winter!

[@growitbuildit]

Pumpkins are amazing - glad to hear you are having success with your tumbler. I've really found that kitchen scraps - in particularly fleshy fruits and vegetables break down the fastest of anything.

[@padude131]

I too watched the whole video and will protest I it again. I've been composting for at least 5 years. I'm also in zone 6b in southwestern pa. I usually quit saving coffee grounds and kitchen scraps once it gets cold but now I will continue to compost throughout the winter. This was an excellent video and I also subscribd to your channel. What part of pa. do yoh live?

[@growitbuildit]

Nice - glad to hear you are going to give it a shot this Winter. Good luck! I'm in South Central PA - about 25 miles from MD line.

[@janicejurgensen2122]

I absolutely made it to the end! Fantastic tutorial. So excited to be doing this form of composting. I am building a second compost and I will get back to you on how it goes and probably with questions. I am in zone 6b. I’ve read many of the comments and replied! I usually don’t. Hands down best winter compost video!! Definitely will be using this method and watched to the end! I subscribed 2 minutes into the tutorial and I plan on using your method!! Looking forward to the results!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Janice! Thank you so much, and I am glad you watched to the end. I really wasn't sure if people would want to see the long appendix or not. Good luck, and perhaps we will have some back and forth later on as you get started.

[@grenslitt]

Very helpful ; I’m in 9b zone starting first winter pile. I feel what I got out of this is the tenacity and adding components as one turns. I hope to check back in 4 months with my results. Stay warm there ! TG

[@growitbuildit]

Yes, yes, and also make the pile big, and be opportunistic for gathering material.

[@monksnack]

Pleasant and comprehensive video (listened on 1.5x speed :). I started composting last spring and it's going swimmingly. Now, thanks to this vid, going into winter composting with no worries. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks Monk! Smart for listening to 1.5x speed. I do the same! Good luck this Winter!

[@micahkramer8836]

You are my composting hero. This is the video the composting community needs. No one talks about this. I just got into composting this year. I was prepared to go ahead and try this as an experiment this winter not knowing what to expect, but knowing I wanted as much compost as possible come spring. I already had coffee grounds lined up from my office and everything. The timing of me finding this video was perfect. Watched all the way through. (The pumpkin idea is brilliant)

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Micah - I really appreciate the kind words. Sounds like you are getting everything ready and will have plenty of compost come Spring.

[@MsHollister6]

This was an amazing video with so much info. I’m also in PA zone 6 and I really needed to see that I’m doing ok with my composting after just 1 year. Thank you for your time and energy making this video so we can all learn. 💜

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Ms. Hollister. Good luck this Winter, and composting will just kind of become a way of life for you!

[@Gkrissy]

This is a game changer video. Now I realize that my winter compost pile wasn't big enough. Thanks for the content, I will be headed to starbucks in the morning.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Krystal - I'm glad I could help you out. Good luck!

[@rmcnally3645]

Made it to the end!! Thank you for taking time to com-PILE (😅) this from last year for THIS year's content! I'm in a much warmer state but this gives me a great starting point for winter work! ✌🏻

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm very happy you enjoyed it and I am very happy that you can see the amount of film/time/ and editing to put this one together - it was a doozy. I wasn't sure if people would find the appendix valuable or not, but it appears that everyone is - so that makes it worth it. Good luck on your piles!

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@growitbuildit I appreciate your foresight on this and other topics. It's much more helpful when viewers can see whole processes from start to finish in a 15- or 30- minute session, rather than waiting for months, or having to find and wade through several different videos. Keep up the good work!

[@kimsingleton5182]

This is an outstanding video! I have been struggling with composting for 2 years here in NC and am excited to try this over the winter. Your details in the video and on your website are fantastic. Love the extensive list of materials to use.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Kim! I'm glad I could help you out. It's amazing how many free resources are out there for composting!

[@chrisblack5795]

I had no idea Starbucks gave grounds away...so hard to obtain them from Kwik Trip...I tried and got so much pushback...I called Starbucks and they will save me some!!!! I have already started my bed..its filled with leaves from the lead vacuum and all kitchen scraps from my fall harvest production...they break down very fast. I have been collecting much green and brown material for ongoing composting already. This is one of the very best videos I have seen on this topic!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Chris - and thank you so much for the kind words! Sounds like you've got a good jump on the situation!

[@JordanFaith]

Thank you so much for this video. I watched all the way to the end, twice 😅 This is the most helpful video I’ve watched so far in my mission to learn how to compost. This is exactly what I needed, as I’m almost fully prepared to get started. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Jordan, thank you so much. And good luck starting your pile!

[@susi1550]

This was fantastic! I compost with horse manure. I live in Boise with a horse and 3 chickens. Managing the horse waste has become an obsession. Our hay grower does not spray and hand weeds so that major worry is gone. How to compost 5 ton of manure is challenging. In 9 months time We call our finished product soil. No turn. I feel composting your way is so much easier. Hope your viewers see how simple you have made this!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Susi! I try to keep it simple - Based on some videos I've seen you would think you need a spreadsheet to manage a pile.

[@LuisSolisOregon]

I compost horse manure also, we have 4 horses--down from 7, and I've been composting for 4 years. Stall bedding is mixed in with the manure. After a lot of trial and error I now build 1 pile per week, I wet down each day's manure, add it to the previous days, and turn it and mix it every couple of days while building the pile. I keep the piles covered the whole time. It's time consuming but the pile breaks down fast! The piles consistently heat up to 140°+. After 10 days or so the piles no longer smell bad and start looking like dark soil. I continue monitoring the temperature and moisture daily and turning it every week until it shrinks to about half the original size, about a month. It works for me in Oregon! Yes I watched your video to the end 😊.

[@caradyer8136]

Thank you for your videos!They are very helpful for a me as a new composter. I managed to get three smaller piles finished over the summer and used them to top dress my garden! I was just wondering if I could continue over the winter here in Michigan. Since I started this spring with the help of your beginner video, I just can’t stand throwing away things I know I could compost! Loved the tips on the pumpkins (I was wondering about those), collecting coffee grounds and the five gallon buckets outside. Thanks again, ~A Happy Composter

[@MrV3nendetti]

I’m in Michigan also and I’ve been wanting to start a fall/winter compost for next spring. What area of the state are you in?

[@growitbuildit]

That is awesome Kara - glad to here you've been doing well & making some compost. Good luck this Winter & I hope you can get a lot of pumpkins!

[@kevin_archeron124]

Glad to say, my pile is finally heating up after watching! now at 120F. making the pile larger made a difference.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - glad to hear you are getting some high temperatures Kevin

[@maciannm]

I made it to the end and am so glad that you showed all your hard work. It gave me some good ideas for keeping my pile hot all winter long and sourcing greens!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Anne - I'm glad you found the appendix helpful! Good luck this Winter on your pile!

[@squirlee1]

Yes, made it to the end :) I want to say thank you for putting out this super informative video. I have just begun composting, procrastinated for SOO long, but finally took the heap.. I mean leap here in Maryland Zone 8a. I really enjoy how you put all the info out there in a no nonsense way. No hype, just facts. That is much appreciated. And thank you so much for the pumpkin tip, I actually was able to score some from a neighbor ,who wasn't sure what to do with them. So I took them off their hands, helped them, helped me, kept a few more things outta the landfill :) Starbuck's is sort of outta the way for me but I have a couple Dunkin Donuts near by who saved some for me when I brought them a container. They've been super helpful. Thank you again for sharing & for all your hard work.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - and I am very glad you found it informative and helpful. I try to make fewer videos but of high quality & dense on information. That is really great hearing Dunkin Donuts saves grounds for you. My local one wouldn't do it. And unfortunately the starbucks that I used to get 5-7 bags a week from quit doing it! I still get plenty though, just have to work a bit more. Good luck this winter, with enough coffee grounds, almost any pile can get hot.

[@patriciasummers8881]

Hey Joe. I eagerly watched to the very end to see the beautiful compost every step of the way. An analytical person like myself needs detail and you so nicely provided that! Thank you for all your effort and your obvious love of natural gardening. I was very encouraged regarding the coffee grounds from starbucks and the manure for the green as I keep chickens and always have plenty of nitrogen (green)! All I need to do is pick my spot and I plan to get started tomorrow with some yard leaves and chicken manure, as I have plenty of both at the present. And I may be able to score some old rotted pumpkins from some local farms. And I have a machete!!! I bought it on ebay to use to hack overgrown blackberry vines and other brush and it will be perfect! Thank you again!

[@growitbuildit]

That sounds excellent Patricia. You've got the greens, which can be challenging in Winter. Thank you for the kind words,and I'm glad you appreciated all the details. I wasn't sure if people would want the appendix or not, but from what I'm hearing it proved valuable to many. Good luck this Winter!

[@judybornkessel6720]

Made it to the end. I add to my next door neighbor’s 2 wooden bin system. His compost does not heat up, nor create much compost. I’m a 73yr old woman, but strong enough to turn the bins with my garden fork. I’ve learned from your videos that we are not adding enough browns to the bins. I’m going to ask at local lumber yards for sawdust. Thank you for the excellent training.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome. 73 and turning piles? Heck yeah. Keep doing it, it will keep you mobile and young. And yes, sawdust is by far my favorite brown material.

[@pepsiman9202]

Made it to the end with no problem. I just recently found your channel and really enjoy the depth that you put into your videos. You also show the complete project from start to finish. I find myself going to your channel and website more all the time for info on gardening projects that I have been doing for years (always learning!) Thanks again

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm glad you are finding the info useful. Good luck!

[@kimberlyhughes4515]

Feb. 16, 2023-turning my winter compost tomorrow, adding to it. Watched to the end. Thank you for sharing! Zone 6b.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Kimberly - Glad to hear it!

[@creative227]

Yes, I learned a lot! I finished and will probably rewatch! I have read and heard so much conflicting information about composting and you helped me figure out what I need to do with the resources I have access to! Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kathy! I'm glad I could help you out. I try to keep it as simple as possible for the composting process. But once you have finished a couple piles, you start seeing compost material everywhere! And you learn your own little techniques and tricks. Good luck!

[@donnamatthews4250]

Made it to the end and it was very informative. I don't have the money to buy soil so I am composting in my garden and in my containers. It is only December 17, 2023 so it will be interesting to see how it turns out by spring.

[@growitbuildit]

I'm glad you found it helpful - good luck with your winter compost!

[@caydancebloom]

Thank you so much for this video. (And yes of course I made it to the end! 😉) I had a hard summer. Garden didn’t do as well and I’m thinking it was the soil. So I decided that this winter I would be learning as much as possible about it which of course includes composting. Built a bin to contain compost not too far from the house for my “classroom” and quickly realized winter temps would be a problem (DUH!) so, very timely that your video came up today. I had decided to give up on outdoor composting but now I’m more excited for winter and learning about soil.

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds good Caydance - I hope my videos and experience can help you out. I highly suggest you look into using some leaf mulch, as that has been the single best thing I've done to my soil. See here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaq8oXqEj7R2rac

[@christijones7814]

Thanks for making this video. I did watch to the end! I’m in the northeast mountains of AZ and we do get cold snowy winters here. Growing zone 6b.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - glad I was able to help you!

[@Cathy_MidwestHome_Hens]

Thanks for this. We’ve been dumping our grass and other yard waste in a pile for years but never truly “compositing”but now that my yard is a monarch butterfly waystation, I want to properly compost to maintain my pollinator gardens. Im in SE Nebraska zone 5. Love the Starbucks tip!!!!! We have 21 hens so we have lots of pine shavings and poop!! Didn’t know about the special treatment needed for it though so that’s good to know

[@growitbuildit]

Hello! The chicken manure might (or often, I'm not sure) contain Salmonella and other pathogens. So, if you aren't using the compost on your food crops you might be fine. Otherwise, the USDA has guidelines on how hot the compost needs to get to kill it, or how early you should apply it so that any pathogen is starved.

[@smas3256]

Your compost is just awesome. Zone 6b here. Glad I'm revisiting your tutorial. I forgot you don't cover compost. Have one cooking now. Will be saving kitchen scraps etc. in 5 gal buckets in the garage temporarily. I'll also save veggie cooking water that's filtered 'cause we have city water. Hope your garden was generous to you and family this past year.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - we had a good year in the garden. The tomatoes suffered from drought, but we still had plenty.

[@michelleworkman5725]

I made it to the end. Lol. Good video. Working on getting Mr to buy in and produce our compost. Thank you for the great tutorial

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Michelle! I'm glad you found it helpful! And extra thank you for making it to the end!

[@fanjiang9317]

I followed your advice by collecting pumpkins from the neighbors. This year I found another resource, the brewing company waste products, oaks and parsleys. I mixed up with leaves. It can heat up the compost pile to 130 degrees and keep hot for 2 weeks in December. I added new material once. And turn two more times. I will leave it until spring. I made 12 piles this year. I put them in 8 35 gallon containers to mature. Love composting.

[@growitbuildit]

Wow - that is a nice source of greens.

[@lynnepatterson6900]

Love your videos and explanation of the process. I’ve learned how I can improve my summer composting and next winter I’ll be ready to try your method of winter composting. I made it to the end of your video and look forward to future videos so I can learn more!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm happy you are finding value in my videos Lynne. It helps inspire me to make more and maintain them to a high quality.

[@susangautier787]

Your technique is great and has encouraged us to try it! Yes we watched all the way to the end. I like how fast you present the info. No time hemming and hawing around! Zone 7b here, ready to give your technique a try.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Susan! Good luck this Winter. Just remember - be aggressive with gathering materials!

[@afrocraft1]

Superb content and production. Thanks for what you do.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you afrocraft! I appreciate the kind words.

[@chachadodds5860]

First time watching your channel. What a great video! You put a lot of work into creating a time lapse of your work. That's a labor of love right there! Thank you so much for sharing your method and posting this video. You've got a new sub. I'm in Zone 7A, but I live alone and generate very little kitchen scrap. Your suggestion about pumpkins is brilliant. At nearly age seventy and a female, I still build a pile every winter, no matter what. The reason I do this is because years ago, I had unintentionally started piling up yard debris, mostly leaves, and the remnants of that year's garden. I live in an area of extreme drought and never watered or turned that pile, yet the following spring, when I decided to dig into that pile, I discovered it had decomposed into beautiful compost, and the unforgiving ground beneath it was teeming with earthworms. Sometimes, life hands you random blessings.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful, and hopefully you now have a few more sources of green material you can obtain. Never slow down gardening - it will keep you young! Keep it up!

[@gidgetsurfs5399]

Enjoyed your video, easy to follow!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad it was clear.

[@trumpetingangel]

I left a comment a year ago. I moved into my new house in December, and never got the compost heated up very hot. However, by spring it was partially-finished and just fine for filling the bottom of my new raised beds! I'm back to review this video and get a refresher. I have a large compost pile that hasn't begun heating up yet (it's mostly leaves, prunings, yard waste, and kitchen scraps). I'm adding urine and will hit the coffee shops! Thanks for your always-helpful videos. This one is literally reference material for me in the fall!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! Get aggressive with coffee grounds! Green material is the key to keeping it going.

[@owenmartin2014]

Awesome video! Made it to the end. You have great structure to your videos so it is dead easy to follow along. Much appreciated!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Owen! I'm very happy you enjoyed it and appreciate the kind words. I like to keep them structured and well ordered, as sometimes it's easy to get lost on complicated topics.

[@justinstewart4889]

I made it to the end! I don't know why, but I feel the sudden urge to start composting, which sounds really weird, but I want to start gardening and I really like the idea of not wasting so much.

[@growitbuildit]

Composting will become a way of life. Good luck getting started!

[@carlswinford1095]

I made it to the end🎉

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Carl! I wasn't sure if the 'video appendix' would be valuable to people.

[@lanettelawrence6308]

You are a great teacher of the garden.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Very Much Lanette! Glad you are finding my videos helpful!

[@dwwcoder5048]

This is the first video that goes into detail on composting in the wintertime. The second that discussed about grabbing items from local businesses.

[@growitbuildit]

I aim to please!

[@helenaragon6539]

the best video, I do this all winter long I use hay litter from my rabbit, food scraps paper towel rolls cardboard boxes and my red wigglers always find the pile and hang around the edges around the pile. I'm in zone 6 in RI.

[@growitbuildit]

It sounds like you've got a good system going Helena! I'm glad you enjoyed my video too.

[@LetsGoFishin60]

Great video, yes I watched it till the end. I have just started composting and visited a lumber mill with a 26l garbage bin. They filled it for me free of charge and told me to come back any time for more. So between free coffee grounds and free sawdust, the pile will do fine. The added bonus is the house scraps.

[@growitbuildit]

Dang - with that supply of sawdust and coffee grounds you will definitely be good to go. Nice William.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

This is a great example of how composting doesn't have to be "perfect" to be worthwhile. Sometimes people make it wayyyy too complicated, with lots of hand-wringing and precise ratios, in an attempt to get compost as fast as possible... and I think that actually discourages a lot of folks. You've shown that even if the piles don't break down superfast - or hardly at all - at the very least, you're still getting an excellent head start for spring when the temperatures warm up. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, it will encourage and help a lot of people. 🙂 Yes I did make it to the end. And BTW I lived for many years in WI where it stays far below freezing for weeks, sometimes months at a time - I can attest that even in those conditions this sort of composting over-winter is still worthwhile. The worst that can happen is it will just stop and start up again when it warms up a little and you turn it. No problem.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I completely agree that composting is more of an art than a science, and you just need to go with what you've got and adjust along the way. And I 100% agree with your statement at the end that the worst that can happen is that you just accumulate plenty of material for Spring, or when it does manage to thaw out you will have a great start.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@growitbuildit you're welcome, and thank you again. I was especially pleased to see your success with discarded pumpkins as "green" material. What a fantastic free resource! There are several businesses in our small town that have big displays of pumpkins right now - I'm definitely going to offer to pick those up for them before they get yucky, and save them the trouble.

[@growitbuildit]

Make sure you get your pile hot to kill off some seeds. I did have some germination in my compost after spreading it. But not a ton. But heat n turning will kill them

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@growitbuildit good point!

[@bearrivermama6414]

This is great. I’m in zone 3 in Minnesota on the Canadian border. I am not nearly as ambitious as you😂. When it’s -45* F outside, I’m just fine letting my piles freeze and exercising my patience as opposed to my pile turning skills 😂😂😂. That said, I’ve always been curious if I tried if I could keep them going all winter. I end up with more compost than I can use already but this answers some questions I had without me having to dedicate the time and effort into the experiment. Thank you for not only the time and effort you invested but taking the additional time to document, research, and compile the data for us less ambitious folks😉. Your attention to detail is admirable!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Ms. Bear River! At minus 45 I believe I would be happy to stay inside as well. I'm glad I could answer some of your questions, and perhaps you will meet a gardener some day who will wonder if they can maintain a hot pile in Winter - you will be able to tell them with confidence that they can.

[@breeze787]

I was riveted for 31 minutes and 55 seconds. Yeah I made it all the way through, I've always wondered about winter composting and never did or started any composting till about April which would mean the earliest I get to use my compost sifter would be around July or August and that's if golf doesn't get in the way. And the thing about winter composting is the weather isn't hot, I hate hot. Thanks a bunch I'll be collecting pumpkins from my neighbors the information you provided is invaluable to us composters wanting to stretch our season.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! And I am very happy you loved the video. Winter Composting is a great excuse to get outside a bit, and you feel quite an accomplishment when you can make a hot pile in the cold snow! Good luck!

[@breeze787]

@@growitbuildit A nice "hot pile"? Music to my ears from the State of Washington Go Hawks!

[@Crime-Politics]

Regarding urine for the pile, if you use wood pellets (saw dust) or wood shavings in your cat's litter box, you have that part covered (naturally removing the poop to avoid bacteria). Putting that on top of a large pile of green waste, it reduces it to half the size in a day. Plenty shelter cats who'd be willing to do the work :) Thank you for the video.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - I'm wary of using any cat or dog waste. They sometimes carry parasites that can be tough to kill (165F). I have trouble reaching those temps.

[@katherinevargas1794]

I made it to the end! I’m new to gardening and I was looking for months on how to compost cheaply without a tumbler! Fun fact: I’m in Lancaster county, PA! Anyway, amazing details and I learned all the way until the end of this. I’m excited to start building my pile this weekend. ❤

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck getting started Katherine! You should also look at my leaf mulch videos....they have made a HUGE improvement to my soil.

[@zayinkaph]

I'm in OK zone 7b and this was supremely helpful! Especially about the Starbucks program that I was not aware of. I had went in to my local on and asked them to save me grounds and I would pick them up weekly but when I went in, the person I talked to must not have communicated that. They told me they don't do that. I was a little bummed but just used the material I had available. While watching this video, I thought "hmmm, let me call the closest one in the closet bigger city". And they sure did have a nice big fat bag for me to pick up. And on my way out of my little town, there was a gigantic pumpkin on the curb for the taking! All praises to the Most High. Thanks for posting up this video to help us small gardeners out. 🙂

[@zayinkaph]

Also, the video was very thorough and easy to follow as well as understand.

[@growitbuildit]

That is awesome! I'm glad I could help you out. I've been finding recently that calling the Starbucks the day before helps - they will save the entire day's grounds for you. So on days when I go to the office I just try to swing back through to pick them up. And put the word out to your neighbors that you want the pumpkins - they are usually happy to have someone to pick them up. I use an old plastic tote/tub in my trunk. It is helpful because sometimes the neighbors wait until the pumpkins are fairly rotten....

[@zayinkaph]

@@growitbuildit Gonna do that! Appreciate it.

[@karenfrankland7763]

I love watching your composting videos. We do almost the same using 4 four foot by four foot bins. The only difference is we do have manure from ducks, chickens, quail and a pet rabbit. Our heaps stay pretty hot throughout the winter. We collect hundreds of bags of leaves as well as all our boxes and paper to add to the piles. We just started seeing pumpkins and spent plants thrown to the curb and have been collecting those as well. In the winter we do puree are kitchen scraps and put in a five gallon bucket. It just saves us space and easy to pour into the center of the piles on those cold days. We also compost all bones and egg shells as well. Bones are so cooked to a soft consistency when we make broth that they break down. Will have to check out a few Starbucks in the area for grounds. We have like six of them in our area.

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds like you've got a great system going. We make bone broth infrequently, but never used the left over bones in a pile. Although I have thrown the odd chicken leg bone in there periodically.

[@johnkenny2403]

Made it to the end. Gotta see the finished product. I am fortunate enough that we have a brewery a few miles away and they give out spent grains otherwise they have to pay to have them hauled away. I take a 5 gallon bucket and they fill it for me. I dig a hole in the center of the pile, just like you, and dump the whole thing in the middle. The pile heats up like crazy. You only need to flip it a few times over the next few weeks to spread the grains around and aerate. I also cover with a sileage tarp held down by rocks and bricks. That also helps keep some heat in and rain and snow from washing away the compost. Keep making videos like this. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks John - glad you found it helpful. The brewery sounds like one heck of a resource to have nearby.

[@ammiedoering4205]

Thank you for showing the pile construction.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck starting your pile!

[@Dan-pr6me]

I watched to the end. Everything was very interesting. I learn why my cold winter pile of compost wasn't getting hot. Thanks for all the info. 👍

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Dan - I'm glad I could help you out. Good luck getting your pile going!

[@elspethcampbell4682]

Live in a very wet part of Scotland and have always struggled with composting here using plastic compost bins. Have never had a successful heat build up but you cannot turn more than the top 10 inches. I am now going to try an open method but Oh how I wish I could get pumpkins. Yes, I too made it to the end. Turning, turning, muscle building turning!!

[@growitbuildit]

Definitely muscle building Elspeth!

[@TEPO--]

Hi I so appreciated your information and approaches, certainly such a commitment. Love it. I live in zone six also, yet at near 7000' elevation. I'm going to continue my current pile as far into winter as possible for now. Being that we had nearly 50' of snowfall last winter, theres only so many hours in the day😉 Your experience and wisdom are very helpful and encouraging for wintwrs with less snowfall. If and when we reach the point of too much snow to tend a pile, I will store kitchen scraps as you said they can remain stable untill Spring when I can properly utilize them. My garden and I appreciate you, thank you from the Sierra Neavada as Winter is surely approaching.....

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Tarapoe! I'm glad I could help you out. You definitely have some challenges at 7000' that I don't have at my measly 900'! The Sierra Nevada are beautiful mountains - you live in a beautiful part of the country.

[@thomas_saved_by_yeshua]

I liked the demonstration throughout to the end giving the details and outcome. Almost like participation ourselves.

[@growitbuildit]

That is the kind of comment I need to hear to keep doing those full-length, detailed videos. Thank you Thomas.

[@elizabethfurrow7920]

Even a year later and this video gave me lots of great info as a new composter. I am starting my first compost pile in November in KY. I am going to ask family if they will start keeping a bucket for me with greens! Thanks for taking the time to inform other, I hope to save some money on dirt come spring!

[@growitbuildit]

I'm happy to hear you are finding this video helpful. And I hope you can get your family to save up kitchen scraps for you - they really break down quickly!

[@antoinettneil7091]

I made it to the end and will start tomorrow going to the coffee shops. Wish me luck

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Good luck, and be aggressive about getting those grounds.

[@benjaminswanson9092]

I made it to the end of the video twice. Great information as always, I built my pile for this winter in MN. Thanks for the great video.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Benjamin! Minnesota winters will definitely be a challenge! Hopefully you can keep the center warm all Winter. Would love to hear how it goes.

[@TheDillio187]

I'm in MN too, and contemplating it. But damn, when it's -15 or colder it's not so fun to be outside!

[@freakygardener8033]

You're not as cold as I am, here in Minnesota, but, WOW! I never would have thought you could still HOT compost in the winter!

[@growitbuildit]

Make the piles big and you can keep it going all Winter long!

[@brendamorison8671]

Thanks for the video and the information. I am trying to make mulch for the first time. I am limited on space and live in a restricted neighborhood so I can't have just a large open pile. So I am using a rotating compost bin. Using leaves and coffee grounds. The neighborhood behind me rakes their leaves to the street (the city will come and grind them and take them away) so I just go help myself before the city comes. So easy as they have already be gathered up. I don't plan on using table scapes but will add blood meal as necessary. I can have access to some shredded paper and will add some plain cardboard from time to time when I run out of leaves. I'll rotate the bin daily and add water. You have inspired me. Hope I can make some good leaf mulch. I did buy a leaf grinder so I have ground the leaves. Anxious to see how quickly it breaks down. So nice to use this stuff instead of throwing it away. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Brenda. Try to keep that tumbler in the sun as best you can. The limited volume will make difficult if not impossible to heat up. But don't get discouraged. It will turn to compost, but may just take a little longer.

[@Robean226]

Thank you! I need to be more aggressive in scoring kitchen scraps, pumpkins, and coffee grounds. And I realize I was turning my pile too frequently. I will hold out for the 7-14 days recommended and see if I can get my pile to heat up. I've generally just cold composted. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Robin - yes, definitely be aggressive getting compost materials! I've actually taken kitchen scraps from relatives houses at holidays. I take all shrimp shells too when we have those, as they break down really quick. Just to note, in some cases you do need to turn frequently. For example if you use grass, unless you get it really, really mixed it will begin to mat up in a few days. When that happens it can turn into sludge, which is not fun to deal with. Also to note, the proper compost thermometer has been a game changer for me. Now instead of doing stuff by the calendar (7 days) I just test the temperature daily. Once I see it start to cool down, then I go turn it/mix in new stuff. Currently I've got a massive pile going that was 150F in the middle. It was still nearly at 150 after several days, then suddenly dropped to 128 in 48 hours....so I took that as my signal to turn it. What happens is that as things decompose, they fall/collapse on themselves squeezing out the air. Then the aerobic bacteria goes down and is replaced by anaerobic that doesn't generate heat.

[@escoile]

Great video - very comprehensive and thorough. I'm going to mention something negative. I think the word "dirt" is not appropriate where used - "soil" is much better. Apart from this it's superb.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Escoile - I'm glad you found it helpful. Noted.

[@LauraKaiser-n2d]

Thank you so much for this video. I have watched it several times and I can’t tell you how helpful this is for a newbie to composting. I am going to watch a bunch of your videos. I started putting kitchen scraps in Home Depot buckets in our garage about a month ago thinking I would start this project earlier so wondering how long they keep. I am in CT and starting this weekend. It has been pretty darn cold. You gave so much helpful information and it is much appreciated!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! If you are in CT, and you garage is unheated then the kitchen scraps are probably fine. My garage is between 40-50F in PA. But even if they seem a bit nasty they will compost nonetheless. You just need to give the bucket a good rinse. I usually fill it with water and then go dump it back on the pile, or under a nearby tree.

[@Guitarzan8]

I made it to the end. I have 2 piles made with pallets here at my home in Minnesota. I have a new drive thru coffee shop open near my home. I’m going to hit them up from now on. Thanks for the ideas!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Zan. I hope you're able to score some grounds

[@carlafawcett6494]

This was great!! Last winter, I put one of those black plastic compost bins in the middle of a garden box. I fed it food scraps and shredded paper etc. all winter. It gets cold here where I am -28 for several weeks. My pile froze, but in the spring did it ever break down in a hurry ! I felt I was ahead of the game. I had loads to spread on my gardens when it was time to plant : ) I am for sure doing this again this winter !

[@carlafawcett6494]

Yes I watched the whole video. What about worms? Are there many or is it too hot in there ?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Carla - Sounds like you have gotten some good results despite your extreme cold. When a pile is hot, there will be no worms around. And in the winter, they all seem to be underground. It isn't until Spring when you may start seeing them.

[@thatsmuzik2570]

I found your explanation clear & concise, by the way! I wish I had more property.

[@TuskerStrong]

Solid work friend. I too went the distance; from start to finish I watched it all. Thank you for sharing. Had NO idea that one could compost through the winter until today. I live in Minneapolis and have composted for many years unaware of this winter option. We had a rat infestation last winter per several reasons and have since eliminated that disaster. I am poised to get out to my now covered pile (snow) try to invigorate my pile. Per the previous note (rats), I am inclined to avoid an open pit as you have demonstrated. Always open to your thoughts if time allows. Thanks again for your time and expertise here.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Tusker - I back up to a decent-sized forest and have deer/rabbits/opossum/raccoon/squirrel/groundhog and even shrew or voles (first time I saw their path), but no rats. I can say that as long as my pile is hot, or if I keep sweet scraps (melon rinds, apple cores) in the middle, nothing seems to bother it. I even put small amounts of food scraps in that everyone else says you shouldn't do. I think heat is the key. A hot pile decomposes the food rapidly, and they may be dissuaded by this, or other forms of bacteria that don't occur until the higher temperatures. This is just my speculation. But living in Minneapolis I would think you would have lots of Starbucks around. I would try calling them up and ask if they will save the coffee grounds for you. 20 of those silver bags will make a hot pile when mixed with equivalent brown. Once you've got a hot one going, then try adding your food scraps to the middle and see if you get the rat problem. I think your going to have to experiment a bit, but that should be a somewhat safe strategy.

[@TuskerStrong]

Thanks so much for the response. The good news is that the rats are no longer finding our backyard as a welcome home. A garage construction project allowed for too many hiding places coupled with 3 compost bins. They found the perfect home last winter. I have since eliminated the rat issue. Will certainly follow your advice here re the coffee grounds. Thanks much!

[@spir5102]

This is hands down the best video I have seen on composting in winter. I live in Missouri, zone 5, and I've never really seen how to continue composting throughout winter. Thanks so much for the video. By the way, which brand of garden shears aka hedge shears did you use to cut up your material? Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi again - thank you so much for the compliment! I use Fiskars shears. I do sharpen mine every year or two. But, I am a big fan of the Fiskars brand because they have a lifetime guarantee on their products (and I actually used it once). This is actually the exact shears I use (affiliate link) - amzn.to/2G5qM8S

[@spir5102]

@@growitbuildit thanks for your response! I've got the shears on my Amazon wish list.

[@northerngail0385]

What an eye opener this has been. I though I knew how to compost but I've been doing it all wrong.

[@growitbuildit]

I'm glad I could help you. Really there is not 'wrong' way to compost, as long as you are just piling up organic matter to break down. There are just different methods that work faster than others. Everything becomes compost given enough time.

[@mnp5404]

All the way to the end: twice! Wow. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Twice!?! Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying it.

[@richm5889]

I always make it to the end of your videos, you kidding? You have a great presentation style in the way that you break it down and the way you sum it up at the end.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Rich! With this video I wasn't sure if people would want to see the whole step-by-step process or not. But this way everyone could see exactly what I did, and what the outdoor temperatures were like (at least when I was at the pile).

[@deborahmceckron3706]

Yes I did make it to the end of the video. I learned a lot the way you have explained everything this will be my first year of composting

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Deborah

[@amyberg1413]

Love this! Funny how I can get so excited about watching compost videos! It helps me get through the cold weather. I actually fall asleep sometimes thinking about my warm compost decomposing! I have been trench composting for years, I used to have a huge compost pile but it got too big to manage. I just bought a Subpod and am happy so far with how it is working. I live in NY and just started it 2 weeks ago. Who knew I'd be digging in my garden in January in NY? Tomorrow I will be heading to Starbucks, not for a lousy, overpriced cup of coffee! I have been adding my own grinds for years and always wondered if it was helpful. I figure the worms got a caffeine boost when they get into them. Pumpkins, who knew, I could enjoy the machete part! My husband has a couple of those infrared thermometers in the garage, another great tip! Thanks so much for the info!

[@growitbuildit]

That is excellent- I'm glad I could help you out. And I'm very happy I gave you new ideas for resources

[@growitbuildit]

That is excellent- I'm glad I could help you out. And I'm very happy I gave you new ideas for resources

[@itsopinion7430]

One of the best vids out there on composting in cold weather, motivates me get out there and get more involved in composting. Gardeners sometimes run out of good stuff to compost especially if you are raising worms and those pumpkins and squash go to the worms. Of course, it is a balancing act but attention to detail is a major theme to maximize your efforts. Thankfully I have lots of leaves and I drink lots of coffee and some other sources of brown and green material so it's a matter of being more conscious of what I'm doing. Thank you for taking the time to document and share!🐄

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome, and I am glad I could inspire and help you out. Thank you so much for the kind words, and good luck this Winter!

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

Thanks for the information. New gardener here and have 2 3 ft. Piles going I will combine them to help with the winter cold problem. Your info is sure to help. Y’all havagudun.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you E.D. - Good luck this Winter!

[@ghtjtful]

MADE IT TO THE END! Outstanding video. Cool, calm demeanor makes it so much better. I'm in zone 7 or 7-8in Memphis, Tn, I have 3 30 gal. plastic compost bins and 3 "home made," bins full of leaves and old dirt (used) in it. Your video has inspired me to go big and uncovered. Thank you. BTW the Starbucks in my area don't necessary follow the "Starbucks," rules for coffee grounds, they mix them in with their "regular," trash and throw it all in their dumpster and tell you to get it out! You gotta remember , I'm in Memphis, so, unbelievably, no one follows "ANY" rules or actual laws either.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Gary! I'm glad you found it interesting enough to watch the whole thing. And that is a bummer that they aren't setting out their grounds. One of the Starbucks I used to gather lots of grounds from just stopped doing it for Winter. I'm going to be bugging them, hoping to convince them to revert back. I might even ask to Corporate, because it is such a good program. Good luck down in TN!

[@ghtjtful]

@@growitbuildit Thanks, I'll follow your post's and let you know how my pile turns out. BTW I've been doing this since I retired in 2012, so i know a little about composting. I seem to get enough compost for my beds once every 2 years. your method seems to work better than mine.

[@ghtjtful]

Thank you for everything. One question, can carboard that has "labels and printed material on it?" if it is shredded?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Gary, I've researched this topic deeply. Black ink is ok, but any coatings, colored ink, or labels will likely contain trace amounts of heavy metals like mercury or arsenic. So, I only use plain brown cardboard (black ink is usually fine). Remove labels and tape, and avoid colored inks or coatings. If you want to see details- growitbuildit.com/composting-paper-and-cardboard-pollutant-safe/

[@JeremyBrigham-on4ip]

Saw to the end. Show us more of your garden!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jeremy - what specifically are you interested in?

[@cpnoboat7659]

Yeah! You asked, I'll tell you: I've made it to the end of the video and learned so much! I will apply your recommendations to my piles. Big thank you! :D

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Good luck this Winter. Make those piles big!

[@lucky282010]

I live in the Zuni mountains in west central New Mexico and I know I'm late to making compost for winter but this video was so helpful and we'll informative thank you so much and I hope I can make enough compost for next year's crop. Thank you again

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome sir - I'm glad I could help you out. And, good luck getting started!

[@Cultivatinggratitude]

I live in zone b6 in Pennsylvania and started for my first time a compost leaf bin with leafs, twigs, and grass clippings in the shade for the winter to leave it be and another im testing with just dried leaves and grass clippings in layers i started and caged it in since we don't have such a big property at all. I began it about a month ago now and i do add coffee grounds and I left it alone for two weeks and the temperature reached 90 then I decided to cover it around with plastic to give some protection around from the cold to see if it would help heat up the process faster and a week later it was at 110 so I went ahead and turned it and it was fascinating to see and I did just as you said, I began to add kitchen scraps, when i turned today my pile i saw alot of good things and I do again have this one in a nice sunny area since although winter is already pretty much here ( it was hailing mildly today) we still had some mild sun but still some sunny days the pile gets. ANY advice helps and this video was very helpful for a winter composter beginner such as myself as I vermicompost also, thanks in advance.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful, and it sounds like you are doing a good job. Try to get coffee grounds if you can - a large influx of those can do wonders.

[@connierobinson6872]

Made it to the end. The best showing how to do it!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Connie! Good luck this Winter.

[@ericthielking4616]

Thank you very much for that. Good to know about the temp being a cleanser. Keeping my eye out for stray pumpkins. Thank you again.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Eric - good luck this Winter!

[@aok2727]

Thanks! We don’t get that cold in zone 8 but I use many of these ideas in my winter pile. I add a little browns too to keep the volume up.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! This method will improve a winter pile anywhere, as the principals are universal.

[@ryantrojanski1250]

Great little video! I'm ready to get started on my winter compost project and look forward to building up my garden this year! Thanks for sharing

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Ryan!