Lid on or off

[golden14]

Hi,
My compost heap (1yr old in February) is in a large plastic compost bin, should I leave the lid off over winter so that it continues to keep moist? (It has been very dry despite not being in direct sunlight at any point in the day) Or do I leave the lid on. Probably a silly question but I know nothing about the art of composting other than layering it up - which seems to have gone well as it has taken all of my kitchen waste and all of my garden waste e.g. old tomato plants, courgette leaves, old runner bean plants etc.
I have been using compost accelerator in small amounts.
Is the compost likely to be ready to use next season?
Thanks
Dickie

[Gardener-Mike]

I would not leave the lid off as it will get wet and very cold, if you turn it every couple of days the heat will stay up and there should be condensation in there if you are still adding new to it.

[stupo74]

Hi,
I must agree with G-Mike on this one, leaving the lid off, will in fact slow down the rate, in which your "Waste" will be broken down.

Retaining, as much heat in your Bin, as possible over the winter months, will keep the process going, (ticking over)

Try cutting a couple of pieces of old carpet, to the size of your bin, which you can put on top of any new waste as you go along, this is 1 method i use to retain, what little heat is produced.

I have added a link you might find helpful,,cheers stupo.

Recycle now - Home Composting

[Suffolk Dave]

I've had great success with my compost bins so must be doing something right. I also would leave the lid on to stop it getting too wet and retain any heat within. Don't forget that microbial activity is going to be almost none existent in the depths of winters cold. Things will really take off in spring when it warms up. Compost heaps will only be successfull if they have oxygen (turning the heap regularly in the active time), water (by keeping the heap moist not wet when its turned over) and a good mix of green waste mixed with stuff like chopped straw, hey, light woody stuff chopped up. In answer to your question about "will it be ready by nxt summer" yes it certainly will. Doesn't take too long for veg matter to break down on the condition that you carry out the above. I introduced worms to my second bin last year, bought from an angling shop and boy did they take off. They multiplied in no time and have converted my 2nd bins rotted down compost to a lovely black crumbly compost. A must for anyone. Regards, Dave