New to composting? You might be surprised to learn that it can happen all year round! Each season brings its own unique benefits to the composting process. Let’s take a look at these, beginning with spring and ending with winter.

Composting in the spring

Springtime ushers in rising temperatures, naturally warming the compost. However, to ensure the temperature increases properly, you must periodically add organic materials to the pile. These materials serve as ideal nourishment for the microorganisms within the compost. These microorganisms thrive on organic matter, which breaks down more efficiently at higher temperatures. At this rate, the compost will begin to process naturally. The inner temperature will continue to get warmer as the outdoor temperature rises. If you’re beginning the composting process in the spring, then you should turn the piles regularly, as this allows the air to move more freely. This method can create usable compost in approximately 21 days. The product could be used during the early portion of the growing season. You should cover your windrows if you live in an area where spring is rainy. Remember to leave enough slack for air to move through the piles. You will also need to turn the compost, so make sure you can easily remove the cover.

Summertime composting

The summer months are the best time of the year for composting. The heat from the sun will naturally heat the windrows, which gives the product an extra boost. Once you have established your compost piles, you can begin to focus on maintaining them for the rest of the season. Maintaining your compost could mean adding grass clippings or other materials. You may need to check the moisture daily, especially in humid conditions. If the compost is too moist, it will slow down the process. Some equipment is able to add moisture as it turns the windrows, so consider this when looking for new compost turners.

Composting in the fall

The fall season is best for collecting composting materials, like fallen leaves and natural litter. You need this type of material to layer your pile because it provides nutrients for the microorganisms that live inside the compost. The best method for this process is alternating the layers of brown and green organic materials with other ingredients. This will prevent matting from developing inside the compost. Turning the windrows with a compost turner can also help with this. Whether your compost is new or already made, you should set aside a supply of leaves to disperse into the mix during the winter months. Finally, it’s important to keep a tarp over your compost during the fall season because it’s also the start of the rainy season in many areas. A cover will help prevent the compost from becoming soggy and cool. Don’t keep the tarp on too tight, though, as you must turn the ingredients periodically. If your operation is large, consider building a shelter over your windrows for easier maintenance.

Composting in winter

There is always work to be done on your compost, even in the winter. It’s important to turn the hardening sheet of the ice that may sit on top of the windrows. If this isn’t done, the microorganisms inside the mixture will slow down, especially if the temperature dips into single digits. Some call this slowing or halting the composting process. Turning the pile will assist the microorganisms in breaking down the organic materials, which is how they stay active. Often, the center of the pile remains warm, but the outer layer will be at the mercy of the cold. The main problem with composting in the winter is providing enough water to keep the microorganisms active and warm. Don’t let too much snowmelt get into the compost because this will force air out of the pile.

Maintaining your compost in every season

As you can see, each season brings its own unique challenges and benefits to the composting process. It’s important to stay on top of maintaining your windrows throughout the year to produce a high-quality, nutrient-rich product. One tip for successful year-round composting is to keep a record of what materials you add and when. This will help you monitor the progress of your compost and make adjustments as needed. Also, be sure to regularly turn your piles and monitor moisture levels. Here are some basic steps you should take when composting, no matter the season.

1. The first step is to balance brown and green organic materials correctly. Typically, brown materials include dead crops or corn stalks, while green materials consist of grass clippings, fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. Once layered, regularly moisten the pile. This will promote air circulation throughout the compost.
2. Next monitor the temperature and moisture levels of the piles regularly. The ideal temperature range for composting is between 90-140°F (32-60°C). If a pile becomes too hot, it can kill beneficial microorganisms, so it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature.
3. The third step is to watch moisture levels. If the compost becomes too dry, add water to maintain proper moisture levels. If it becomes too wet, turn the pile to promote air circulation.
4. Turn or aerate the compost every 1-2 weeks. This allows oxygen to enter the pile and aids in breaking down organic materials more quickly. It also prevents foul odors from forming.
5. The final step is to add additional organic materials as needed. This will keep the compost pile active and help speed up the decomposition process.

Turned windrow composting

The turned windrow (or aerated) composting process is better suited for large-scale operations. This method is often used by local municipalities and high-volume food processing plants. If done correctly, it should produce a large amount of high-quality compost. Some local governments will make the compost available to residents for little or no fees. The process consists of placing organic materials into rows of long piles (windrows) and aerating them periodically. The ideal height of each pile is between 4 to 8 feet with a width of 14 to 16 feet. The size helps to generate enough heat and oxygen to make compost. Smaller or larger windrows will do just fine, although they may need more care.

Do you need a compost turner for your windrows?

SCARAB International customizes Compost Turners that fit your specific needs. Our machines can be used for small, medium, or large composting operations. We offer New, Refurbished, and Used compost turners, as well as Leasing options. Give us a call today at (806) 883-7621 or Contact Us via email.