Can You Make Compost In The Winter?

[Cookie]

I have been given a compost bin and I wanted to know if I can start making compost this winter. My little veg area is cleared so I haven't anything from there to put in it just the veg scraps from the kitchen. Will these make compost or is it too cold in the winter? I've read that these plastic bins get hot. Should I wait until next year to start?

[Nick the Grief]

It will break down but it will just take longer Cookie. I've just added stuff to my bins but these won't be used till the year after next so it will be well & truly rotted byt then.

Instead of a compost bin you could dig aout a trench for your Runner beans and just keep adding to that till it's spring and then cap it with soil and then it will break down and help retain moisture for your beans.

[Cookie]

Will this work for all beans Nick, not just runner beans?

I am guessing that I shouldn't put spud peelings in. Is there anything else I should avoid adding to this trench? Do I cover it over in between adding the veg scraps? I'm thinking of attracting foxes etc.

[Solitary.Bee]

For beans, I dig out a pit or a trench, fill it with kitchen veg peelings and shredded newspaper (to retain moisture for the thirsty beans). No potato, cos they'll sprout. When your pit is full, cover over with soil.