Composting information

Bart 9/8/2021, 11:17 am

Hi my fellow Squares....

I have a quick question: I have a pile of grass clipping that have gone to seed. Is it advisable to put that in a tumbler type of composter? I ask because I was told using the tumbler the seeds won't get hot enough to kill them and I'll get grass in my raised beds. Is that correct?

That's it, thanks.
Bart

OhioGardener 9/8/2021, 12:38 pm

Bart wrote: I ask because I was told using the tumbler the seeds won't get hot enough to kill them and I'll get grass in my raised beds. Is that correct?

"Is that correct?" Depends.

If a compost tumbler is correctly filled with a balance of "greens" and "browns", it will easily reach 150ºF to 160ºF. If the tumbler is kept at that temp for several days, or more, it will kill the seeds. If it does not reach that temp, though, the seeds will survive to grow another day.

I use two compost tumblers, both Jora JK-270's, and they always reach the 160ºF temp. At that temperature, it not only kills any weed seeds, but also eliminate any pathogens.

But, I also use a standard 3-bin compost bin system that does the same thing, so it is not limited to tumblers. The most important thing is to understand the fundamentals of composting. If you have not already done so, try to get a copy of the Rhodale Book of Composting - your library might have a copy available.

Bart 9/8/2021, 3:31 pm

Will 160 Fahrenheit kill Black Soldier Flay larva?

OhioGardener 9/8/2021, 3:47 pm

Bart wrote:Will 160 Fahrenheit kill Black Soldier Flay larva?

Yes, but the Black Soldier Fly larva are only in the compost if there is rotting material for them to feed on. They are not a bad thing, in fact they are often beneficial in cleaning up human's messes, but they are not necessary in making compost. If there are Black Soldier Fly larva in the compost bin it is due to there being too much "greens", and not enough "browns" to support the microbes breaking down the compost.

Bart 9/9/2021, 11:13 am

And because of that, I added shredded corrugated paper. Seems to have reduced the population. But, it shows that my tumbler isn't getting up to 160 F.

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Composting information

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