Hi Rex,

If you're asking whether to buy a special fabric sheet to cover your compost bin I wouldn't bother. You can get the same effect by laying permeable landscape fabric on top of the pile, an old tarp or any other dark cover that will absorb heat.

My only concern with using a homemade cover for the bins is that you don't want the pile to get anaerobic and stinky. It needs air, the proper mix of browns and greens and moisture to decay. Remove the cover periodically, stir the pile and add water if it needs it.

You'll naturally get less decay in winter because of the cold, but things should speed up now that spring is here.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you feel your question hasn't been answered.