Winter may slow down plant growth—but that doesn’t mean your compost pile should go dormant too. Many people believe composting in winter isn’t worth the effort, but the truth is: cold-season composting is one of the best ways to prepare healthy, nutrient-rich soil for spring.

Here’s why winter composting works—and how to do it properly in the Waikato climate.

Why Compost in Winter?

1. Get ahead for spring
   Your kitchen scraps don’t stop piling up—why not turn them into compost now?

2. Feed your soil all year
   Even in colder temperatures, decomposition continues slowly thanks to microbes working below the surface.

3. Fewer pests and odours
   Winter brings fewer flies, fewer rodents, and fewer complaints from the family.

Common Challenges (And How to Fix Them)

1. Cold slows decomposition

Fix: Add materials in thinner layers and turn the pile occasionally to build internal heat.

2. Too much moisture

Fix: Add more dry “browns” like leaves, sawdust, and shredded cardboard. Keep your pile covered with a tarp or compost lid to reduce water logging.

3. Not enough carbon-rich materials

Fix: Stockpile leaves, cardboard, or newspaper in autumn to mix in throughout winter.

What Can You Compost in Winter?

• Vegetable peels and scraps

• Coffee grounds and paper filters

• Eggshells

• Dry leaves and small prunings

• Shredded brown cardboard and uncoated paper

Avoid: meat, dairy, oily food scraps, and large amounts of citrus.

Make a Natural Compost Booster

In a watering can, mix:

• 1 tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar

• A handful of finished compost (or garden soil)

• 2 litres of warm water

Pour this mixture over your compost once a month to encourage microbial activity.

What to Expect in Spring

By the time September arrives, your winter compost should be warming up and well on its way to becoming a nutrient-rich amendment for your garden beds, veggie patches, or lawn.

Need Help?

At Kerepark Lawns and Gardens, we help Morrinsville locals set up compost systems that are simple, clean, and effective—even in the coldest months. If you’d like to get started with composting this winter, feel free to get in touch.