Why Compost in Fall?
Fall presents a unique opportunity for gardeners to take advantage of the abundance of organic matter—fallen leaves, spent plants, and yard trimmings—that can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil for next year’s garden. Starting your compost in autumn takes advantage of seasonal cycles, allowing winter’s freeze-thaw cycle to help break down tough materials naturally before spring.
Key Fall Composting Tips
1. Gather and Sort Materials
- Collect Carbon (“Brown”) Materials: Gather fallen deciduous leaves, straw, dried garden debris, and shredded newspaper.
- Add Nitrogen (“Green”) Materials: Use grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and leftover garden plants.
- Avoid disease or pest-infested plants—these need to be disposed of separately in the trash to prevent spreading issues.
- Avoid human, dog, or cat waste, oily food scraps, meat, and bones. These can attract unwanted visitors and can carry diseases.
2. Balance Browns and Greens
A well-functioning compost heap needs roughly two-thirds carbon-rich material (“browns”) and one-third nitrogen-rich material (“greens”). When adding grass clippings (greens), layer in twice the amount of leaves or other browns to maintain the proper balance.
3. Chop and Layer for Faster Compost
Chop larger plant material and stems before adding them to the pile. Alternate layers of greens and browns, starting with a base layer of bulky browns for aeration and good drainage.
4. Build a Big, Moist Pile—But Not Too Wet
Aim for about three feet high and three feet wide, or a cubic yard, to retain heat and speed up decomposition. The pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge—add water if it’s dry, but avoid soggy conditions that slow the process. Be careful that you do not place the pile too near your house.
5. Turn and Aerate Regularly
Use a garden fork or compost aerator to turn your pile every few weeks, particularly before temperatures drop for winter. This helps supply oxygen and mix materials thoroughly.
6. Store and Cover Extra Materials
Store extra fall leaves and browns in burlap sacks, bins, or bags—these can be layered with kitchen scraps through the winter, keeping the compost balanced year-round. Cover your compost heap with a tarp to retain moisture, prevent it from becoming waterlogged, and deter pests
7. Harvest Finished Compost—Rest What’s Not
Set aside any finished compost for early spring planting, storing it semi-dry in containers or flowerpots. Allow immature compost piles to rest over winter; spring warmth will re-activate decomposers and speed up final breakdown.
8. Special Fall Additions
Sprinkle wood ash from clean fires in small amounts to add potassium (avoid using chimney sweepings or coal ash). Herbivore manures can also provide a valuable nitrogen boost, but be cautious with sources and quantities.
Composting Troubleshooting for Fall
- Too Many Leaves? Create a dedicated ‘leaf compost’ pile by layering leaves and soil—compost forms in several months.
- Soggy Pile? Mix in dry leaves, shredded paper, or straw to absorb excess moisture.
- Slow Compost? Smaller pieces, more turning, and balancing green and brown inputs can jumpstart decomposition.
Maximize your garden’s health by starting a compost project this fall! For more hands-on tips and personalized growing advice, book a free discovery call at All About Growing Guides.
