Note: I removed some of the mixture from the sides to keep the boxes
from separating to freezing (I hope).

The main question: Should I cover the boxes with tarps?
Will the cold winter and snow cause the soil to be compressed-compacted?
If I cover the boxes up, will it be come a haven for mice?
or diseases and molds form?

To cover or not cover, that is the question!


I have read that letting the ground heave and fall during freezes and
thaws over the winter / spring is good for breaking up / aerating the
soil. Good thinking with removing some from the edges - I always throw
all my leaves in on top of my garden boxes - this does not keep the
ground any warmer, but when the leaves are frozen, step on them to
break them up so that they will be smaller and easily "digested" by
bacteria nd earthworms once you till them into your soil. If you keep
rabbits / chickens ,etc, toss they "by-products" of living into your
bins as well - cover with more leaves, the decomposing manure will
actaully warm things up and add a lot of nitrogen to your bins.

HTH's
Boisegirl ---
Zone 6 - who is wishing it would snow and warm up! Bbrbrrrrr