Winter sometimes seems endless, but my heart always begins to soar as the days grow longer and the first daffodils, tulips, and crocuses emerge from their long hibernation.
It’s time to pack away the books, switch off the TV and turn our attention to the joys of gardening and composting once again.
After all, it’s not just the flowers that are reawakening — weeds and grass will soon follow, offering a bounty of materials perfect for composting.
With that in mind, here are some tips to rejuvenate your compost heap, your garden and yourself too!
Fixing soggy heaps
Compost is often wet at the end of winter. Even when you cover your compost, you’ll often find excess moisture is an issue during the colder months
I often find that even with soggy piles, a turn will get the pile going ago. It reintroduces oxygen, which encourages the oxygen-loving microbes which break down material fastest. And when they get going, they will start to use some of that moisture.
If turning isn’t enough, consider adding some dry, carbon-rich materials like shredded leaves, sawdust, or straw to help absorb the excess moisture. However, only do this if necessary, as these materials will take longer to decompose than the waste that has been sitting there for months.
Turning can be harder with an enclosed compost bin. While I find turning the most effective way to deal with a soggy compost pile, an alternative with bins is to use a simple compost aerator.
Learn more: Moisture In Compost: Everything You Need to Know
Double down on insulation
Spring weather can be unpredictable, with warm days often followed by chilly nights. To keep your compost pile at the optimal temperature and encourage thermophilic bacteria, insulation is key.
Eventually (and you can usually reuse it at least once) it will break down too, adding organic material to your compost.
As you build a new pile, layer straw along the side and the tops, and spread a thick layer on top. If you have a good mixture of greens and browns, you’ll be surprised at how fast it gets going.
Learn more: 17 Effective Ways to Insulate Your Compost Heap or Bin
Spread old compost
You might be surprised at how well last year’s compost heap has matured, despite the cold weather.
I’ve been very happy with the results of my pallet bin compost, and I’ve been covering any remaining bare rows, as well as rows where the winter vegetables are finished. I can also see that some of my polytunnel beds have sunk down and will need compost added when I strip the winter veg out.
This not only benefits the soil structure and microbes, it also suppresses weeds and helps the soil retain moisture. And, of course, it makes room for all the fresh materials you’ll be using as the garden comes to life.
Learn more: How to Use Compost
Get your hands on some manure
Spring is an ideal time to source manure if you can. While it may not be ready for immediate use in your beds, it makes a fantastic addition to the compost
If it’s mixed with straw, it will also rot down perfectly well by itself. By the time winter rolls around or next spring arrives, it will be beautifully broken down and ready to spread on your garden.
If you have a lot of manure, you can also make a hot bed, using the heat generated to give plants a boost. (Warning – make sure you let it cool down first. Last spring I managed to cook the first potatoes I planted in my hotbed!)
One note of caution: try to avoid manure from animals fed with herbicide treated hay. Herbicides such as Aminopyralid or Clopyralid don’t break down in the composting process and can slow down growth for months.
Learn more: How to Turn Manure Into Compost
Stock up on browns and bulking material
As spring progresses, your garden will soon be brimming with green waste — grass clippings, weeds, and fresh prunings. To create air pockets in the compost and to balance the nitrogen-heavy green materials, you’ll need bulking materials.
If you haven’t already, stock up on shredded paper, cardboard, dry leaves, or wood chips (ideally semi-decomposed).
If possible, store in a dry place. Having these on hand will save you time and keep your compost pile healthy during the busy gardening months.
Learn more: A Guide to Bulking Materials
Cover your compost heap rain
Spring can be deceptive, with periods of sunshine followed by sudden downpours. Having a cover ready to throw over your compost can really help keep the water out and avoid waterlogged material.
Compost bin lids are ideal. For pallets and piles, a solid lid with air under it is best but I find a tarp can work fine too.
For us gardeners, now is an exciting time. Everything is starting to get going, and the young energy of spring seems to infuse us as well as our gardens.
It’s also a busy time – and if you’re like me, you’re frantically planting seeds and potting on young plants ready for the Summer and Autumn ahead.
But setting aside a little time for your compost heap can pay dividends. After all, good compost won’t just give you the short term boost of a fertilizer, it’ll help improve your soil structure for years ahead.
So grab your gardening gloves, head outside, and make the most of the fresh start that spring offers. Your garden — and your compost bin — will thank you!