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Google
Rebuilding a Compost Pile
+13
kittykat
plantoid
H_TX_2
Menditha
1airdoc
GWN
floyd1440
TN_GARDENER
Lavender Debs
RoOsTeR
camprn
JustMe
Too Tall Tomatoes
17 posters
Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rebuilding a Compost Pile
After 3 weeks of cooking, I decided to rebuild my compost pile. The temperature of it this morning was around 115F, not quite the 100F that camprn said would be my target for rebuilding. I decided to do it anyway because I had a free morning and I probably wouldn't have been able to do it till next Sunday.
The outside temperature was around 50F as shown by my compost thermometer....
Some pictures of my pile as I moved it out of the bin.....
Here are the sticks I put in. They get pulled out in a few days and it gives the compost pile some "air channels"
I decided to add more rabbit food again. It worked great when I rebuilt it at the beginning of the month and I was just afraid to tamper with success. You can see how much I added per layer.....
Here's a picture of the dried blood I would sprinkle on each layer. It's about 1/2 cup....
I would sprinkle on some water on each layer. Just enough to moisten it.
This picture was taken about halfway through the rebuilding process....
The finished pile......
While I was rebuilding it I noticed that it had a much earthier smell than at the beginning of the month when I restarted it after the winter "hibernation". It still smells a bit but not nearly as much. So the composting process is definitely working properly. There's still a fair amount of identifiable bits but I'm not too worried about that. I can either screen it or just use it as is.
When I rebuilt it at the beginning of the month, I threw in about 10 gallons worth of fruit and veggie scraps that I stored up over the winter. When I took the pile apart today, I didn't see one bit of that left. Awesome.
There's definitely science behind composting(proper green/brown ratios, and enough water and air) but building the pile isn't a science. What I mean by that is this: If the layers aren't exactly even, no big deal. If I use a half cup more of rabbit food on one layer, it's not going to cause a catastrophe. If the compost bin looks like a redneck science fair experiment, it's perfectly ok. Composting will happen.
Hopefully some of us can learn from this thread. I'm definitely not an expert gardener but I take pride in this compost pile of mine. It's been fun so far.
The outside temperature was around 50F as shown by my compost thermometer....
Some pictures of my pile as I moved it out of the bin.....
Here are the sticks I put in. They get pulled out in a few days and it gives the compost pile some "air channels"
I decided to add more rabbit food again. It worked great when I rebuilt it at the beginning of the month and I was just afraid to tamper with success. You can see how much I added per layer.....
Here's a picture of the dried blood I would sprinkle on each layer. It's about 1/2 cup....
I would sprinkle on some water on each layer. Just enough to moisten it.
This picture was taken about halfway through the rebuilding process....
The finished pile......
While I was rebuilding it I noticed that it had a much earthier smell than at the beginning of the month when I restarted it after the winter "hibernation". It still smells a bit but not nearly as much. So the composting process is definitely working properly. There's still a fair amount of identifiable bits but I'm not too worried about that. I can either screen it or just use it as is.
When I rebuilt it at the beginning of the month, I threw in about 10 gallons worth of fruit and veggie scraps that I stored up over the winter. When I took the pile apart today, I didn't see one bit of that left. Awesome.
There's definitely science behind composting(proper green/brown ratios, and enough water and air) but building the pile isn't a science. What I mean by that is this: If the layers aren't exactly even, no big deal. If I use a half cup more of rabbit food on one layer, it's not going to cause a catastrophe. If the compost bin looks like a redneck science fair experiment, it's perfectly ok. Composting will happen.
Hopefully some of us can learn from this thread. I'm definitely not an expert gardener but I take pride in this compost pile of mine. It's been fun so far.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
What a beautiful compost pile! I like your stick/air channels. When we first started composting, we had a wire bin 3x3 set-up and your stick idea would have been handy.
What does the rabbit food do?
We have two Earth Machine compost bins, one of which I found with a FREE sign in the neighborhood. Today I spent the afternoon emptying them and rebuilding them. I was thrilled to harvest a wheelbarrow of unsifted compost between the two today. I am definitely a low key composter, though I've been known to open the lids during a rainstorm and mixing it during a rainstorm so I don't have to cart water from the rain barrel to the compost bins.
You're right about the science experiment feel composting sometimes has. I know it will work, but I am always thrilled when I open the bins and see the black gold.
What does the rabbit food do?
We have two Earth Machine compost bins, one of which I found with a FREE sign in the neighborhood. Today I spent the afternoon emptying them and rebuilding them. I was thrilled to harvest a wheelbarrow of unsifted compost between the two today. I am definitely a low key composter, though I've been known to open the lids during a rainstorm and mixing it during a rainstorm so I don't have to cart water from the rain barrel to the compost bins.
You're right about the science experiment feel composting sometimes has. I know it will work, but I am always thrilled when I open the bins and see the black gold.
JustMe- Posts : 237
Join date : 2011-06-23
Location : SE Wisconsin, Zone 5a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
JustMe wrote:What a beautiful compost pile! I like your stick/air channels. When we first started composting, we had a wire bin 3x3 set-up and your stick idea would have been handy.
What does the rabbit food do?
We have two Earth Machine compost bins, one of which I found with a FREE sign in the neighborhood. Today I spent the afternoon emptying them and rebuilding them. I was thrilled to harvest a wheelbarrow of unsifted compost between the two today. I am definitely a low key composter, though I've been known to open the lids during a rainstorm and mixing it during a rainstorm so I don't have to cart water from the rain barrel to the compost bins.
You're right about the science experiment feel composting sometimes has. I know it will work, but I am always thrilled when I open the bins and see the black gold.
Thanks! I take pride in my compost.
Not only do the sticks, when pulled, provide air channels, they also help keep the pile lose and break up the forkfuls of materials as you rebuild.
Rabbit food helps get the pile cooking if it needs some "green" material to balance out the "brown" material. Combine that with dried blood and watch your temperatures really take off.
Hey camprn, if you see this thread, then you'll notice that JustMe likes your "trick with the sticks".
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
LOL The trick with the sticks works for me! how is it working for you? It looks good from here! You have good instincts when it comes to "a little goes a long way" with the pellets and the dried blood. I have to get out there soon and turn my massive (4x4x8) pile. Maybe next week!
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
Looks good TTT
I am my gardens worst enemy.
RoOsTeR- Posts : 4316
Join date : 2011-10-04
Location : Colorado Front Range
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
camprn wrote:LOL The trick with the sticks works for me! how is it working for you? It looks good from here! You have good instincts when it comes to "a little goes a long way" with the pellets and the dried blood. I have to get out there soon and turn my massive (4x4x8) pile. Maybe next week!
I'm assuming the sticks work because of how high the temps got last time I did this. This time I might leave the sticks in for 4 days instead of two and stir them around a bit so that maybe those air channels widen when I pull them out.
Last time I did this I used an entire 25 lb bag of rabbit food. This time I used maybe 20 pounds.
Beers for everyone!
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
Lavender Debs wrote:Beautiful job TTT Looks better than mine.
I still say the bin looks like some kind of redneck contraption.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
I also spent a fair amount of time with my compost pile this past weekend. Sifted the old & refilled the bin. Hopefully it will heat up in a few days.
As to the looks of your bin. It certainly isn't the prettiest thing, but it's function over form...right?
As to the looks of your bin. It certainly isn't the prettiest thing, but it's function over form...right?
TN_GARDENER- Posts : 228
Join date : 2011-06-16
Location : TN
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
TN_GARDENER wrote:I also spent a fair amount of time with my compost pile this past weekend. Sifted the old & refilled the bin. Hopefully it will heat up in a few days.
As to the looks of your bin. It certainly isn't the prettiest thing, but it's function over form...right?
You're right...who cares what it looks like.
For now it'll work. After I harvest this batch of compost, I'm going to downsize it(cutting the hardware cloth shorter) so I'll force myself into a 3ft x 3ft x 3ft bin instead of the monstrosity I have.
By the way, the temp of the compost yesterday(after rebuilding it) was 70F. I just checked it a few minutes ago and it's all the way up to 130F.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
A few minutes ago I checked the temperature of my pile again and it's at 142F. How is that possible?? It increased 12 degrees in about 3 1/2 hours????
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
TTT
I stopped in at Tractor Supply and the box store and they have quite a veriety, Since I am build mine this weekend I would like your input.
I stopped in at Tractor Supply and the box store and they have quite a veriety, Since I am build mine this weekend I would like your input.
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
floyd1440 wrote:TTT
I stopped in at Tractor Supply and the box store and they have quite a veriety, Since I am build mine this weekend I would like your input.
Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
where do you get the dried blood.... I am afraid to ask
I have never had a compost that heated up really well.
I have tons of greens, not enough browns, however i have rectified the difference recently, even added some molasses.
My temp went from 40 ground temp to 60 compost temp, hardly something to write home about........
I have never had a compost that heated up really well.
I have tons of greens, not enough browns, however i have rectified the difference recently, even added some molasses.
My temp went from 40 ground temp to 60 compost temp, hardly something to write home about........
GWN- Posts : 2804
Join date : 2012-01-14
Age : 67
Location : british columbia zone 5a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
GWN wrote:where do you get the dried blood.... I am afraid to ask
I have never had a compost that heated up really well.
I have tons of greens, not enough browns, however i have rectified the difference recently, even added some molasses.
My temp went from 40 ground temp to 60 compost temp, hardly something to write home about........
You should be able to pick up dried blood at almost any garden center. I'm sure there's other brands but Espoma comes to mind. That's the brand that I bought. I think I paid about 10 bucks for a 3 3/4 lb bag of it.
Lowes and Home Depot sells Espoma brand products but I've never seen Espoma dried blood. You might have to go to your Mom-and-Pop type garden center.
How long did it take to hit the 60 degree mark? What did you add to increase the "brown" component? Maybe you need to add more, or maybe you should try those tricks I used earlier in this thread. It does work really really well. Before I took apart the compost pile Sunday morning, the temperature of it was 115F. After rebuilding it with the above method, the temperature dropped to 70F. Tonight, approximately 36 hours after rebuilding it, the compost pile is now at 151F.
The temperature more than doubled in 36 hours?? That's just unheard of. I must be doing something right.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
I have a tumbler, and could add more brown to the lot.
What did I add?
Leaves that have been overwintered, shredded paper, shredded cardboard.
Any other ideas?
I could use my neighbours lawn clippings but I think he uses poisons on his lawn......
What did I add?
Leaves that have been overwintered, shredded paper, shredded cardboard.
Any other ideas?
I could use my neighbours lawn clippings but I think he uses poisons on his lawn......
GWN- Posts : 2804
Join date : 2012-01-14
Age : 67
Location : british columbia zone 5a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
GWN wrote:I have a tumbler, and could add more brown to the lot.
What did I add?
Leaves that have been overwintered, shredded paper, shredded cardboard.
Any other ideas?
I could use my neighbours lawn clippings but I think he uses poisons on his lawn......
You could ask 10 people what your green-to-brown ratio should be and you'll probably get 10 different answers. I've seen equal amounts of greens and browns, 3 browns to 1 green, 2 browns to 1 green, etc. I have no idea what my ratio is but if I had to guess, I'd say it's about equal.....maybe slightly more greens.
Like I said earlier, there's a science behind composting but it does not have to be an exact science. Eventually, it will all compost. How quickly it composts depends on what's in it. Whatever you do, don't sweat it one bit.
Take a look at your tumbler and if you see more greens than anything, add something brown. For a while I was running my newspapers through my paper shredder(took forever to shred because it only does 2 or 3 sheets at a time). That was my main brown component. Then I read that you can add pine shavings(animal bedding) for your brown component. I ran to the pet store and bought a bag(I forget how big) and added that to my compost.
If you do add pine shavings, make sure it's untreated and not treated with any sort of antibacterial additive. I wouldn't use cedar shavings because cedar is somewhat rot-resistant and it will take longer to break down.
The more of a variety of browns(and greens too of course) you add to your compost, the better it will be.
A few websites.....
http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm
http://www.compostinstructions.com/what-you-can-and-cannot-compost/
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
I leave the temperature probe in my compost at all times. Here's a picture of it taken this morning.
Sorry for the blurriness but you should still see that it's at 159F
Sorry for the blurriness but you should still see that it's at 159F
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
"Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?"
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
I just use pallets to make the sides to contain the compost. You can see my pile in my album. Click on the Gallery tab above.floyd1440 wrote:"Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?"
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
camprn wrote:I just use pallets to make the sides to contain the compost. You can see my pile in my album. Click on the Gallery tab above.floyd1440 wrote:"Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?"
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
Pallets are probably the easiest and cheapest way to build a bin. Hammering those fence posts into the ground was a real pain in the backside.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
camprn wrote:I just use pallets to make the sides to contain the compost. You can see my pile in my album. Click on the Gallery tab above.floyd1440 wrote:"Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?"
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
I check the gallery out and you picture is very interesting. But here is my problem. I am overrun with deer and may need to put in in my fenced in area, which is on a slope.
Now I am considering putting a skid of the bottom and level it and perhaps some fencing around it???
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
floyd1440 wrote:camprn wrote:I just use pallets to make the sides to contain the compost. You can see my pile in my album. Click on the Gallery tab above.floyd1440 wrote:"Are you building your compost bin from scratch or getting a pre-made bin?"
Never done this before but was considering building my own but did not know the correct type of fence?
I check the gallery out and you picture is very interesting. But here is my problem. I am overrun with deer and may need to put in in my fenced in area, which is on a slope.
Now I am considering putting a skid of the bottom and level it and perhaps some fencing around it???
If you put a nice amount of manure on it, I don't think the deer would go anywhere near the pile.
Too Tall Tomatoes- Posts : 1069
Join date : 2011-10-24
Age : 53
Location : Pennsylvania, Zone 6A
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
To GWN:
Plantoid shared the following website with me in a previous post ("Compost not heating"), and I found it extremely helpful. By following instructions on the site, which includes info on N:C (or green:brown ratios), I was able to convert my old, slow, cold compost pile into a steaming productive pile and made several cartloads of gorgeous compost in only a few weeks.
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/hot-compost-composting-in-18-days/
I'll share photos later.
Plantoid shared the following website with me in a previous post ("Compost not heating"), and I found it extremely helpful. By following instructions on the site, which includes info on N:C (or green:brown ratios), I was able to convert my old, slow, cold compost pile into a steaming productive pile and made several cartloads of gorgeous compost in only a few weeks.
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/hot-compost-composting-in-18-days/
I'll share photos later.
1airdoc- Posts : 188
Join date : 2011-05-04
Location : 7a (Northern middle Tennessee)
Re: Rebuilding a Compost Pile
TTT
I am planning to build a fenced compost area and what is a good fence and openning size of the wire mesh?
I am planning to build a fenced compost area and what is a good fence and openning size of the wire mesh?
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
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