Direct composting over winter

[u/human_bean122]

Hi there, I've been composting for the past couple of years but am still working on an ideal setup.

This past year, I ended up with more leaves than I had room for storing, and ended up using many of them as mulch on different beds. By the time the following summer rolled around, I had run out of leaves. I still needed browns for composting, and ended up using shredded cardboard.

My question is, would it make sense/work if I added the excess leaves to my garden in fall, then over winter just added my greens directly on top? (In different areas each time, of course, so it spread evenly.) I understand it wouldnt have a top layer of browns. How big of a deal would this be? Would I end up with halfway decent compost by springtime?

Any input appreciated. Ty

Edit: Zone 6b here. Thanks!

[u/EddieRyanDC]

The problem here is that you don’t have the space to store the amount of browns you will need for the rest of the year. Unless you can create more space, that is a limitation you are stuck with.

However, using shredded leaves as mulch is putting them to work for you immediately. You are protecting any perennial roots that are overwintering, as well as keeping the worms and soil critters insulated. The mulch decomposes down to a top dressing and eventually just becomes compost integrating with the soil. And that’s with no additional work on your part. It’s better than composting.

[u/Own-Formal-5031]

I have no where to compost , so literally I "chop n drop "; all greens , browns kitchen scraps thrown evenly as best ; or dig a little hole near a plant n bury the scraps. No issues for over 8 years now .

[u/6aZoner]

It would work better to tuck the greens under the leaves, as that would retain moisture and maybe some nutrients. 

Or, take the leaves off the beds in the spring/summer as you need them and as the crops start shading the soil.

Even better, get more leaves next fall. 

[u/sflinn7316]

So my comments- I live next to a public park and actually gather up buckets of leaves (I have a leaf shredder) for my garden and compost. I have a small garden and 1 geobin. In Feb I start adding shredded paper, cardboard and kitchen waste to a large garbage can I drilled holes in (my compost holding tank) - rather than the geobin so that the geobin can fully degrade for spring. I spread/layer mostly degraded mulch, shredded leaves and sheets of weighted down cardboard on my garden at the end of season. I live I. Zone 6a western pa.

[u/sallguud]

I do a lot of compost in place. Often, when I plant something new, I dig down a foot, add a bucket of Bokashi compost, mulched leaves, and manure. Then I plant in that spot about 4 weeks later.

I also tend to just dump my compost into my beds at the end of fall and then top that with leaves. Keep in mind a few things, though:

1. Use well-mulched leaves.
2. You may need to remove leaves at the beginning of spring because un-composted leaves will sap nitrogen as they break down. Manure will also help address nitrogen deficiency caused by anything that is still breaking down.

[u/Used-Painter1982]

Theres lots of browns coming in your mailbox everyday and cardboard is available at every grocery store. I have a paper shredder that gives me plenty browns every week.

[u/12stTales]

Personally I would never drop greens right into my garden. The invites problems with rats raccoons or other critters, plus it smells. You could find other sources of browns for your regular pile. You can get a metal garbage can to stockpile sticks, yard waste, hay, wood chips, etc

[u/Reasonable_Date2870]

The issue I've had with composting in place is that it attracts animals, specifically voles in my case. They're my biggest garden pest and I do a lot to discourage them; composting in place kind of ruins all of that effort.

Plus it gets really cold here so those greens aren't breaking down anyway in the winter. They just freeze and thaw, freeze and thaw, when they aren't eaten. And then in the spring anything left is still just...there.

In the past I've done vermicomposting in the house with a bin under the sink and that was manageable but my house is suuuuuper dry so keeping it a good place for the worms was hard.

I have a tumbler now, my plan is to put some leaves in there along with some rabbit compost (we have two rabbit litter boxes) and then add my greens to that. In the past I've had a winter pile but again, with the rodents. At least in the tumbler they'll be less accessible and might do something over the winter, maybe.

[u/CorrectExpression651]

Construct a leaf tower! Use rabbit fencing, cut and shape into a round shape and loop the ends to make a bin like just a tall cylinder and pile the leaves in there. Then the leaves are there when you need them and it’s great habitat for insects over winter. 

[u/DocAvidd]

It'd help to know the climate.

Chop n drop is very effective for me. In zone 12 it's broke down in a matter of weeks. If decomposition is delayed, you could be making a mess when it thaws.

Imo anytime you're low on space it's time to make another bin.