Composting in Alberta Zone 3

Composting in Extreme Cold Climates

Composting comes with some challenges when living in climates with short growing seasons, long winters, and extreme cold, like we have in Zone 3 Alberta. If done right, composting in this environment can significantly enrich your soil, reduce waste, and prepare your garden for the growing season.

Why Composting Matters

Composting is an essential practice for reducing waste and enriching soil, and it’s especially valuable in cold climates with poor soil, like we have in Zone 3 Alberta. Here’s why composting matters and how it can make a big difference in your garden and the environment:

Reducing Waste in Landfills

Each year, millions of tons of food scraps and yard waste end up in landfills, where they are trapped between plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. This prevents proper decomposition and contributes to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By composting, you divert organic waste from landfills, helping reduce emissions and extending the life of landfills.

Fact: Food scraps and yard waste make up over 30% of what we throw away, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Tip: Keep a small compost bin or bucket in your kitchen to collect scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells for easy composting.

Enriching Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving plants, and compost plays a critical role in maintaining it. Compost improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and provides essential nutrients for plants. In cold climates with short growing seasons, nutrient-rich soil can maximize your garden’s productivity.

Fact: Compost adds nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth.
Tip: Spread finished compost as a top layer in your garden beds or mix it into the soil to boost fertility naturally.

Supporting a Sustainable Cycle

Composting is a natural process that completes the life cycle of organic material. Kitchen scraps and yard waste break down into humus, which feeds the soil and, in turn, nourishes plants. This closed-loop system reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and supports a healthier environment.

Fact: Composting can reduce the need for external fertilizers (organic or chemical) by up to 50%, making your garden more sustainable.
Tip: Alternate green materials (like fruit and vegetable scraps) with brown materials (like dried leaves and straw) to create the ideal balance for decomposition.

Community Benefits

In urban areas, many cities offer green bin programs for organic waste collection. These programs turn waste into compost, which is then used in community gardens or sold back to residents. Even if you don’t compost at home, participating in these programs helps keep valuable organic material out of landfills.

Fact: Many municipalities now require composting as part of their waste management strategies, helping divert thousands of tons of organic material from landfills annually.
Tip: If your area doesn’t offer composting services, consider teaming up with a gardener or farmer who might welcome your kitchen scraps.

By composting, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re actively contributing to healthier soil, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable future. Whether you’re using a backyard compost bin, a pallet system, or participating in a municipal program, every effort helps.

Choosing the Right Compost Bin: Exploring Your Options

In 2021, we set up a compost bin designed for the harsh Canadian climate. Made from recycled plastic, this Canadian-made bin may not win style points, but it’s highly functional and built to last. Of course, with the recent news regarding PFAS and microplastics being in everything (including people), we are planning on switching to a non-plastic option and using the compost bin for something not-food related (since putting it in a landfill won’t solve the problem of it existing).

In cold climates like Alberta’s, selecting a compost bin that retains heat and allows for airflow is critical. With so many options available, it’s important to consider your space, budget, and composting goals. Here’s a breakdown of common compost bin styles to help you find the best fit:

1. Plastic Compost Bins

Plastic compost bins are widely available, durable, and designed to handle various climates. Many models, especially those made from recycled plastic, feature ventilation holes and a compact design, making them ideal for smaller yards. They are effective at retaining heat, which is crucial in colder regions, and often come with access doors for removing finished compost.

However, plastic bins have potential downsides related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, which are often used in manufacturing plastics to improve durability or water resistance, are persistent in the environment and may leach over time, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. To minimize exposure to these harmful substances, look for compost bins specifically labeled as PFAS-free or made from food-safe plastics. Choosing products from reputable manufacturers that disclose their materials can further ensure a safer option for your garden.

Pros: Affordable, easy to set up, weather-resistant, heat-retentive, and widely available.
Cons: May not hold as much material as other systems and could potentially leach harmful chemicals like PFAS unless specifically certified PFAS-free or food-safe.

2. Tumbler Bins

Compost tumblers are enclosed, rotating bins that make turning your compost simple and efficient. These bins aren’t bad for people who prefer to minimize manual labor while ensuring good aeration. Their enclosed design helps retain heat, speeding up the decomposition process.

Pros: Easy to turn, no need for pitchforks, and pest-resistant.
Cons: Very limited capacity and higher initial cost.

3. Pallet Compost Bins

Pallet bins are an excellent DIY option for those with a bit of extra time and access to wooden pallets. These bins are cost-effective, sturdy, and customizable. They provide great airflow and can be insulated with straw or leaves for colder climates.

Pros: Inexpensive, customizable, and eco-friendly.
Cons: Requires basic building skills and may need occasional maintenance.

4. Wooden Compost Bins

Wooden compost bins are a classic option that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. Made from untreated wood like cedar, these bins offer good insulation while allowing for airflow. They can be built with multiple compartments to separate fresh material from finished compost.

Pros: Attractive design, durable, and customizable.
Cons: May require treatment or repair over time to resist weather damage.

5. Wire or Mesh Compost Bins

Simple and cost-effective, wire or mesh compost bins are open structures that allow for excellent airflow. These bins are lightweight and can be moved around easily, making them great for gardeners who need a flexible composting solution.

Pros: Easy to assemble, affordable, and highly ventilated.
Cons: Less heat retention and limited protection from pests.

6. Open Piles

If you have plenty of space, an open compost pile is a low-cost and low-maintenance option. Simply layer your compost materials in a designated area and turn them occasionally to maintain airflow. To improve heat retention and protect from pests, you can cover the pile with a tarp.

Pros: No cost, scalable to any size, and great for large volumes.
Cons: Requires more effort to manage and is less protected from the elements.

7. Green Bin Programs

For those who don’t have the space or inclination to compost at home, municipal green bin programs are an excellent alternative. Many cities collect organic waste for large-scale composting, offering an easy way to divert food scraps and yard waste from landfills.

Pros: No setup or maintenance required, and supports community composting.
Cons: Not available in all areas.

Choosing What’s Right for You

The best compost bin for you will depend on your specific needs:

Small spaces: Consider a plastic bin, tumbler, or even a small pallet setup.
Large properties: Pallet bins, wooden bins, or open piles are great for handling large volumes of organic waste.
Low-maintenance options: Tumblers or municipal programs work well for those who prefer less hands-on management.

Whichever system you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your composting goals. With the right setup, you’ll be on your way to producing nutrient-rich compost for your garden in no time.

Composting in Winter: Hands-Off

In Alberta’s frigid winters, composting requires a different approach. Starting in early Autumn, I let the compost bin fill up and remain untouched until spring. The idea is to retain as much heat as possible in the bin, even if decomposition slows or stops entirely when temperatures plummet.

Adding chicken and goat manure, along with the straw they poop on, to the bin, introduces helpful bacteria and organic matter. This addition improved decomposition in the fall and spring when microbial activity resumed. Even in the heat of summer, there is no bad odor near the bin—a testament to the effectiveness of a well-designed system.

Turning the Compost in the Springtime

When spring arrives and the ice is gone (meaning the center of the compost isn’t a solid block of ice), I tackle the task of turning the compost. The cold weather compacts the materials into a dense but workable mass. Using a pitchfork, I rotate the bottom layers to the top. This mixing reintroduces airflow and jump-starts the decomposition process for the warmer months. The mixing compacts the materials, causing it to lose almost half its height and creates more space for summer additions.

For cold climates, turning the compost once in spring and periodically during summer is enough to keep the process going. It’s not as fast a process as warmer climate see, but it does work. Frequent turning in summer ensures even decomposition, especially for larger food scraps or denser materials.

Tips for Success in Zone 3 Alberta

Cut Large Scraps: Cold weather slows decomposition, so cutting up dense items like corn cobs, whole potatoes, and onions speeds up the process. Left whole, these can remain largely intact through the winter, and even year after year for smaller bins.
Balance Materials: Alternate layers of kitchen scraps with dry organic materials like leaves, straw, or shredded paper. This layering ensures proper aeration and prevents anaerobic (lacking oxygen = smelly) conditions.
Use a Second Bin: In colder regions, having a second compost bin allows you to rotate between active and resting piles. While one pile rests and decomposes, the other is ready for new additions.
Start Early: Start your bin before fall with a mix of green (kitchen scraps) and brown (leaves, straw) materials to insulate the pile and set the stage for spring.
Insulate the Bin: Consider wrapping the bin in straw bales or old blankets to help retain heat. Placing the bin in a sunny, sheltered spot also aids in maintaining temperature.

Final Thoughts

Composting in Zone 3 Alberta may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely doable. The effort put in during the cold months pays off in healthier soil and thriving plants come summer. Start small, experiment with techniques, and keep your focus on creating sustainable, nutrient-rich compost. The soil—and your garden—will thank you.

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Amy

Blog Author and Co-owner at Owl Creek Farm

wife + mom to 4 + 1 husky and 3 cats. xennial. introvert. adhd. love audiobooks (mostly sci-fi), gaming, cooking/baking, vegetable gardening, indoor plants. animal welfare and mental health.