Any tips for winter usage, once temperatures cause the compost to freeze?
1042369
I started using the composter at the beginning of this summer, so I don't know exactly how it will perform during the winter. Frankly I am not thrilled with it. I plan on cleaning it out next spring and giving it away.
1042370
I'm in South Carolina so I just give it a toss when I think of it. I don't think it needs any special attention.
1042371
Not really, composting goes on standstill during winter. Any temperature below 55 degrees is not great for composting.
1042372
I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler. I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any... » Read More I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler. « Show Less
1042373
WISH I COULD HELP BUT I LIVE IN A VERY TEMPERATE CLIMATE. I think turning the tumbler will help a bit. And perhaps adding a compost booster to speed the process. Good luck.
1042374
Keep adding compost all winter, then it will warm up and "cook" it in the summer for use after it turns.
1042375
I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track. I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler.
348367
Yes. These units cannot be used when it freezes. They are warm weather useful only. Have you tried noxious sprays? I have had good luck with Liquid Fence. It is the most disgusting thing you will ever smell but it keeps the deer away as long as you re-spray regularly. I also put up a battery operated electric fence (which I bought on Amazon) to protect my most deer attractive plantings in the winter. I live in MN where temps are often 20 below zero but the batteries still only had to be replaced once a month this past winter.
1959750
I never froze mine but that might be ok to keep it fresh,freeze part and keep some out to feed
858155
I packed up the pump and stored it indoors for the winter. The freezing and thawing will not be good for the unit.
2186678
How about storing it in the freezer after you empty it? might get brittle though...
468538
I haven't had my composter long enough to know. But, thank you for the heads up! I might try to get it 'under cover' before the snow comes.
1093054
I had a similar experience. Since you put them in the refrigerator to keep them in their dormant stage, the best thing you can do is to plant them as soon as you can get a shovel into the ground. Plant them initially below the freeze line 8 inches down in composted soil. In late February early March, remove 4 inches of the soil in order to make sure they do not have to hard to put up in the spring. When you see them coming out of the ground in late in April,fill the trench in slowly with loose compost. When you see the sprigs come up and provide plenty of compost, you will feel excited and even more motivated to care for them. Good luck. Mr. P I had a similar experience. Since you put them in the refrigerator to keep them in their dormant stage, the best thing you can do is to plant them as soon as you can get a shovel into the ground. Plant them initially below the freeze line 8 inches down in composted soil. In late February early March, remove 4 inches of the soil in order to make sure they do not have to hard to put up in the spring. When you see them coming out of the ground in late in April,fill the trench in slowly with loose compost. When you see the sprigs come up and provide plenty of compost, you will feel excited and... » Read More I had a similar experience. Since you put them in the refrigerator to keep them in their dormant stage, the best thing you can do is to plant them as soon as you can get a shovel into the ground. Plant them initially below the freeze line 8 inches down in composted soil. In late February early March, remove 4 inches of the soil in order to make sure they do not have to hard to put up in the spring. When you see them coming out of the ground in late in April,fill the trench in slowly with loose compost. When you see the sprigs come up and provide plenty of compost, you will feel excited and even more motivated to care for them. Good luck. Mr. P « Show Less
99817
I assume you have an air plant. They are tropical plants so cannot tolerate a freeze. They do best at or above 65 F. At cooler temperatures there is risk that they will rot from overwatering. They still need some watering, but is best to reduce the moisture during the cooler months.
102905
If you plumb it properly, you can drain it for the winter. I believe there is built in freeze protection on this unit, however, which will activate the burner if it is at freezing point.
566077
you'll need a food Saver sealing machine, that seals and sucks the air out of the bags before freezing. I guess if you are windy enough you might be able to suck the air out.
396195
I personally have not had a problem with your issue, however be aware that your meats and or fats should be as close to slightly frozen as possible if not everything will be mushy!
1454945
Not sure about it freezing. I just set it on a counter top in the kitchen area and call that close enough if it centered.
1348110
when winter comes you are to cut it down to six ins. then put mulch around it. I have not planted it yet. I have been sick. So there for I still have it in the house. Its doing ok, but if you still have warme weather plant it.
2185733
It will die if it is freezing and you put it outside. You will need to keep it indoors until the danger of frost is over. When I put mine outsode , I keep it in a pot.
328131
I definitely get some heat from the compost in mine.It seems to help on my unheated back porch down to the forties and we will find out soon about the thirties.I think zero would really be pushing it and in your situation would build a cabinet for the worm farm. I would include a provision for a small electric heater in case the compost needs a bit of help to keep the worms from freezing.
468539
Sorry, I have not yet been through a New England winter with my composter, this coming winter will be the first. It seems to be a pretty hardy plastic - hopefully it will hold up to the cold and snow!
2125862
I would suggest talking with customer support at the manufacture. I have not used mine all winter but will be using mine at least by May. I am waiting for the snow to melt.