Simple Composting question?

Hello all:

I have been gardening all my life but I am new to composting. I am making my piles of compost on the ground. The question is do I need to cover them up with plastic or just let the rain fall on them? I am using a compost thermometer and turning the piles when needed but just wasn't sure about covering them up or not.

Thanks in advance for your help!

James

Let the rain fall! You don't have to cover them up.

Ok

Thanks for the information

James

cheyannarach wrote:Let the rain fall! You don't have to cover them up.

+1

Hello jdnetone and welcome to the forum.

A while back someone (1airdoc I think) posted this info on composting http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/hot-compost-composting-in-18-days/

ya might want to take a look at it. Good Luck



p.s. I need me a thermometer!!! Where do you find em?

I got my compost thermometer from Amazon. Quick and easy ordering and shipping.

I keep my compost covered only during rain. I want to be able to control the moisture level in it.

Pepper Thanks for the reply I got my compost thermometer from Amazon also

Thermor Bios Compost Thermometer (20.3-Inch) $12.72

James

jdnetone wrote:Thanks for the rely also camprn I look at the link in you post and all I can say is wow that is amazing.

James

Thanks! your garden will look like that too, but no cutting corners. Good luck with the compost, it makes a huge difference in the garden!

Boy have I got a lot to learn. I Need carbon
Couple of questions please:
1. Can you use cardboard boxes that have slick colored pictures on it?
2. How often do you turn it? I have a tumbler and I may have misunderstood ANSFG book but i thought he said turn everyday.
3. And it is too wet. Cardboard wil take care of that?
I have flies, which it is a compost, and it has a bad odor. I really want this to work, to stop critics and to know I can do it!
Thanks
Connie

I am still learning about composting but have been doing it for a few years now. I am pretty sure about my answers but if someone comes up with something different, that's good.

You can use cardboard but tear off the shiny picture. Then tear up your cardboard into smaller pieces. Cardboard will help absorb excess water or you can leave your composter open for a few hours, or both. You can also use torn up newspaper (torn up so it composts quicker).

I would turn it every day to get your compost done quicker. I had flies also and that may just be normal when the green matter starts breaking down. I had vegetables that had gone mushy and smelly in my fridge that I dumped, liquid and all into my composter. That's probably why the flies were around. I added more newspaper.

I was getting things stuck to the middle thingy inside my composter and I got brave and pushed it off so it could mix in with the rest.

Last year I didn't turn my composter much and added water when I was able. My daughter was in a bad car accident and most of my garden and gardening went by the wayside. But this year I was able to use the compost I got from my composter. I have been skeptical about my ability to make compost but I guess this shows I did it!