Is your compost system slowing down? Welcome to winter. We know that when the temperature drop so does our composting rates. So why is this? The microorganisms (microbes) – or bacteria – within our compost system, find it harder to work in winter: an occurrence which happens when the temperature drops. Temperature dictates the speed that our microbes work, and therefore the speed in which composting occurs, so season changes play a pivotal part in the life of our compost.  

What we want to avoid is our microbes going dormant and although it’s an appealing thought – winter hibernation underneath our Doonas, a hot cup of tea in hand, it’s not one we want for our microbes. Sorry little guys, you have work to do! 

If your compost system is slowing down, which it just might do as we enter the colder months, what solutions can we take to prevent the hibernation? Investing in an extra chamber can be key. Our microbes may be slowing down, but our composting doesn’t have to. With an extra chamber we can rotate between the three, ensuring the system is running smoothly while the speed of breakdown is slowed. If your out of service chamber hasn’t reached a full compost cycle within six months, your chamber’s secret is; it’s probably a wee bit cold.  

So how can we avoid this, and help our chambers catch up? Rotating your chambers in winter is going to be key for the success of your system but how do we keep the composting active in both our in-service and out-of-service chambers? 

We know we like to hide from the cold in Winter, especially Aussie winters where our houses seem to get colder than icicles, and our heating systems are very few and far in-between. We wrap ourselves in Doonas, board up our windows, sleep in our skiing gear, all in an attempt to not only stay warm, but comfortable!  

So, what Insulation can we offer our Chambers? Ecoflo customers have come up with a number of ideas in the colder winter months. Customers have reportedly wrapped their Chambers in Doonas, old blankets or even their yoga matts. This will keep your Chamber nice and cozy, to ensure the cold doesn’t creep into your composting. We all just want to stay warm!  

At the end of the day, winter doesn’t stop composting, it just slows the pace. By understanding what’s happening inside your system and working with the conditions rather than against them, you can keep things ticking along steadily. A little extra insulation, thoughtful chamber rotation, and patience go a long way in supporting your hardworking microbes through the colder months. Remember, they’re still doing their job, just at a winter tempo. 

So, keep your system warm, give your microbes a helping hand, and trust the process. Spring will bring the heat back, and with it, a faster compost cycle, but in the meantime, a well-managed winter system will ensure you’re never left out in the cold.