Square Foot Gardening Forum
[table bgcolor=#000000 height=275][tr][td]
Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Toplef10Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  1zd3ho10

Hello Guest!
Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum.
There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  I22gcj10Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  14dhcg10

[/td][/tr][/table]

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Square Foot Gardening Forum
[table bgcolor=#000000 height=275][tr][td]
Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Toplef10Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  1zd3ho10

Hello Guest!
Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum.
There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  I22gcj10Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  14dhcg10

[/td][/tr][/table]
Square Foot Gardening Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Search
 
 

Display results as :
 

 


Rechercher Advanced Search

Latest topics
» N & C Midwest: October 2024
by OhioGardener Today at 8:20 pm

» What are you eating from your garden today?
by Scorpio Rising Today at 5:47 pm

» Confirm what this is
by Scorpio Rising Today at 5:45 pm

» Harlequin Beetles?
by sanderson Mon Oct 07, 2024 3:08 pm

» Preserving A Bumper Tomato Harvest with Freezing vs Canning
by sanderson Mon Oct 07, 2024 3:05 pm

» What Have You Picked From Your Garden Today
by markqz Mon Oct 07, 2024 10:57 am

» Ohio Gardener's Greenhouse
by OhioGardener Sun Oct 06, 2024 4:20 pm

» Greetings from Southeastern Wisconsin
by OhioGardener Sun Oct 06, 2024 12:05 pm

» N & C Midwest: September 2024
by OhioGardener Mon Sep 30, 2024 4:13 pm

» The SFG Journey-Biowash
by OhioGardener Sun Sep 29, 2024 8:33 am

» Fall is For Garlic Planting
by Scorpio Rising Sat Sep 28, 2024 12:19 am

» source for chemical-free lanscape fabric
by Woodsong Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:51 am

» Hurricane
by sanderson Sat Sep 14, 2024 5:42 pm

» Spinning Compost Bin-need some ideas
by sanderson Thu Sep 12, 2024 2:09 am

» Old Mulch and Closing Beds for Winter
by Scorpio Rising Wed Sep 11, 2024 8:23 pm

» Happy Birthday!!
by Scorpio Rising Wed Sep 11, 2024 8:20 pm

» Pest Damage
by WBIowa Sun Sep 08, 2024 2:48 pm

» cabbage moth?
by jemm Sun Sep 08, 2024 9:15 am

» adding compost yearly
by sanderson Thu Sep 05, 2024 2:16 am

» N & C Midwest: August 2024
by OhioGardener Sat Aug 31, 2024 8:13 pm

» Article - Create a Seed Library to Share the Extras
by OhioGardener Mon Aug 26, 2024 4:09 pm

» Best Tasting Parthenocarpic Cucumber?
by SMEDLEY BUTLER Wed Aug 21, 2024 7:07 pm

» Winter Squash Arch
by SMEDLEY BUTLER Wed Aug 21, 2024 8:02 am

» Master Gardeners: Growing Your Own Blueberries
by OhioGardener Mon Aug 19, 2024 10:09 am

» Looking for a local source for transplants.... Sarasota, FL
by sanderson Mon Aug 19, 2024 3:26 am

» Hi, y'all. I'm new to everything in Sarasota, FL
by sanderson Mon Aug 19, 2024 3:21 am

» Starbucks for coffee grounds!
by OhioGardener Wed Aug 14, 2024 5:47 pm

» Hi from N. Georgia
by AtlantaMarie Tue Aug 13, 2024 8:57 am

» Hello from Atlanta, Georgia
by sanderson Tue Aug 13, 2024 3:09 am

» growing tomatoes from seed outside
by sanderson Tue Aug 13, 2024 3:05 am

Google

Search SFG Forum

Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

+21
AtlantaMarie
Razed Bed
princezoe
Windmere
mschaef
has55
jonyosh
Turan
slimbolen99
April
CapeCoddess
grownsunshine
jimmy cee
camprn
GWN
llama momma
yolos
audrey.jeanne.roberts
Marc Iverson
plantoid
sanderson
25 posters

Page 1 of 16 1, 2, 3 ... 8 ... 16  Next

Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Wed Aug 27, 2014 4:20 am

Plantoid just mentioned this hot, quick method for making compost in another topic "Fertilizer in Bagged Mix."

I think the Berkeley method is a great way to quickly make your own compost, although I have never been able to make it in 18 days.  My fault for not turning it every 2 days.  I started daily recordings this year.  Pile #4 was started April 7 this spring and was finished in 27 days, then rested a week, for a total of 34 days.  It was turned a total of 7 times.  Pile #5 was started June 29, finished in 36 days and turned 8 times, then used on day 40.  The current pile #6 was started August 10 and turned 4 times so far.  I estimate it will be finished in 30 days, then rested a week.  So, up to 40 days from start to finish seems to be my pattern.  I will build one more, #7, in September.  I finally feel a lessening of the panic I've had, since I started SFG 1 1/2 years ago, that I don't have enough compost for making more MM and recharging used beds.  I should have a full bin volume (27 cu ft) of ready-to-use compost come next spring.

The cage is 3' x 3' x 3' inner dimensions, the minimum mass for hot or "hottie" compost.  The final volume is about 1/2, or 13 1/2 cubic feet.


Last edited by sanderson on Thu Jan 15, 2015 5:04 pm; edited 1 time in total
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  plantoid Wed Aug 27, 2014 6:06 am

For many the idea of turning a massive compost heap six or seven times in three weeks or so  is very daunting.

 Just to set minds at rest I'm classed as 75 % disabled with a bust shoulder joint , wrecked knees & spinal problems  and all manner of other niggling things.

 I practice the 18 day method when I can .

I have had to modify my approach , so that my spade is a kiddies 4 x 4 inch square sand spade araldite glued onto an old sea fishing rod butt end to make it four feet long , I have a similar sized hoe to drag material down off the heap to shovel up .  Lots of times I have to sit down when doing the shovelling and turning material into a new bin .. it can be done .. it just takes a bit longer and a lot more thought plus many more rests .

 The real success though is that I have my seven composter Daleks set on smooth concrete , this makes scraping up and shovelling a total breeze in any weather . Had I had to shovel " off the heap " I'd have like as not been unable to do it.

 So a simple way for those not so fit as others is perhaps to use a 2 foot square board or steel sheet to shovel up off rather than have to dig directly deep into a compost heap . Dragging material off the heap onto the board also lets in lots of air for the bacterial to use.
 Like eating the elephant , by doing it one bite at a time you will succeed .
plantoid
plantoid

Male Posts : 4091
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  Marc Iverson Wed Aug 27, 2014 6:10 pm

I'll sure vouch for how intimidating turning a huge compost pile can be. Especially in strong summer heat. Maybe that's why sanderson writes about working so late into the night -- at least it's cooler, so she might not feel quite as much like she's working in a Mississippi chain gang.
Marc Iverson
Marc Iverson

Male Posts : 3637
Join date : 2013-07-05
Age : 63
Location : SW Oregon

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:04 am

Marc Iverson wrote: Maybe that's why sanderson writes about working so late into the night -- at least it's cooler, so she might not feel quite as much like she's working in a Mississippi chain gang.
Yep, sundown or night with the back yard lights, or pre-sunrise.
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  audrey.jeanne.roberts Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:11 am

Sanderson, since you've been so successful with your compost can you share what your "recipe" is for your layers when you begin the pile?

I think it would be very helpful for beginners
audrey.jeanne.roberts
audrey.jeanne.roberts

Posts : 1914
Join date : 2012-12-07
Location : Central Calif Mtns.

http://audreyjeanne-roberts.artistwebsites.com

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:22 pm

Gosh, I still feel like an intermediate student on compost.  Each pile is a 'pile de jour' with what is available at that time of the year.  But, here goes.

Bin:  minimum of 3' x 3' x 3', maximum of 4' x 4' x 4'.

Building:  Alternate layers, approximately 6" of dry browns with 1-2" of fresh greens, starting with the browns. I like to start with 6" of bedding straw on the bottom because it doesn't flatten into a solid mat like dry leaves do.  I think there is more more air space, also.  Wet it well.  Add 1-2" of chopped produce and horse manure pucks.  Then 6" more of straw, dried leaves, left over alfalfa hay, coffee grounds, what ever browns are available.  Wet after each thick layer of browns.  Then 2" more of chopped produce and manure.  At 1' (1 foot) and 2' (2 feet) of height, I sprinkle 1/2 cup of blood meal.  I think I will cut down to 1/4 cup on these.  Finish building to 3' or more, because the weight will compress the brown material.  Top with 1" or 2" of straw or leaves for fly and odor control.  Stick in the thermometer to the center core where it will be the hottest.

Brown Material:  For quick Berkeley piles, I will never use wood chips, twigs and shavings, again.  Also, no more peanut shells or chopped corn stalks/leaves. The short time does not allow them to break down.  I think wood products are better suited for long, slow piles.  I love alfalfa hay as a brown because the stalks break down, but I think it has too much nitrogen to use as the only brown.  Bedding wheat straw is nice for turning and helps maintain some air pockets inside.  I don't think the larger Slurppy-sized-straw pieces will completely break down this time but I will screen them out and add to the next new pile.  Also, straw holds pitch fork-full of compost when turning.   Very Happy  Small, thin, non-waxy dried leaves are great but can really mat down so when turning you will have to break them up.  Also Starbucks coffee pucks.  I break up the pucks into fines by dancing on the bags. Very Happy

Green material:  always chopped produce and fresh/recently dried horse manure.  I have used green lawn clippings (really thin layers) and fresh chopped sea kelp as greens.  Still looking for the allusive sea food shells from Crab, lobster and shrimp.

Turning:  On day 3-4, the internal temp should be 160*F.  Time for first turn.  I don't have room for a second bin so I have to do double work.  I spread a large blue tarp down and remove materials into 2 piles.  One pile consists of the drier 6" of the top and 6" of the 2 sides and 6" of the back side of the material.  The other larger pile consists of the inner remaining core (2 1/2' tall, 2' across, and 2 1/2' depth.  I don't include the front 6" against the wood slats as exterior material because it stays moist and warm.  Then I rebuild it with the drier exterior material in the core and the wetter interior material on the exterior.  Spray with hose attachment when you rebuild, as needed, to keep it moist during the days.  Repeat every 2 days.  Ha! rofl  Theoretically, If you turn it every other day after the first Day 4 turning (I'm still rolling on the floor) you will have compost ready to rest on day 18.  That's also the time when you go in for back surgery.  If you turn it every third day, the compost will be ready to rest in 25 days and you only have to go to physical therapy.  Every fourth day, in 32 days, etc.

PS:  The inner compost is really hot so turn in the cool of the day.

http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/hot-compost-composting-in-18-days/


Last edited by sanderson on Thu Aug 28, 2014 3:12 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Add)
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  yolos Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:46 pm

Wow Sanderson, great write up and a lot of work.  You do know that coffee grounds are considered more of a green (nitrogen) don't you.
yolos
yolos

Female Posts : 4139
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 74
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  llama momma Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:46 pm

I totally envy you Sanderson for getting your compost going.  I need to get started too.  This morning my neighbor dropped off a couple hundred spent corn stalks for my compost heaps.
The 2 large  leaf corrals still contain loads of leaves and my barrels still have grape pomace from last year plus there are bags of  starbucks coffee grounds, bags of dried grass, and piles of manure.  All I need are a little bit cooler days to get 5 wood pallet heaps going again.  
One fork at a time......  I wish we had a compost emoticon!
llama momma
llama momma

Certified SFG Instructor

Female Posts : 4914
Join date : 2010-08-20
Location : Central Ohio zone 6a

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Thu Aug 28, 2014 3:26 pm

While outside in the garden, I thought of 2 more browns I wouldn't put in a Berkeley pile:  crushed peanut shells and corn stalk/leaves.  There just isn't enough time for them to break down.  I edited my original description to reflect these 2 no-no ingredients.

Yolos,  I used to think they were greens, and then someone called them browns.  thinking  I don't use enough to throw the ratios off too much.  Maybe 5 bags/pile.  My new favorite green this year is horse manure.

LM,   Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  4223211841   I know what it looks like, but it is a dancing compost pile!  Very Happy   If I had 5 bins to fill, I would feel overwhelmed.  Think of them like dirty dishes, wash/build one at a time.

PS: Regarding crushed peanut shells. I received some green peanuts at the farmer's market last year and shopped/smashed them up. I ran them through 3 compost piles and they were still intact. I still think shredded peanut shells should be studied as a peat substitute.
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  llama momma Thu Aug 28, 2014 3:34 pm

I'm not too fond of that supposedly dancing compost pile. It looks too much like something else. Razz 

Anyway, I wanted to ask if you chopped the corn stalks into little pieces and still had trouble with breaking it down in a Berkeley heap?   Of course its no trouble in a regular slow cooking heap and the stalks actually help keep oxygen in the pile.
llama momma
llama momma

Certified SFG Instructor

Female Posts : 4914
Join date : 2010-08-20
Location : Central Ohio zone 6a

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Thu Aug 28, 2014 11:21 pm

LM, Yes, I chopped the stalks in 1"+ pieces and the single leaves in 2" lengths. Still didn't break down in the Berkeley piles.
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  llama momma Fri Aug 29, 2014 6:51 am

Thank you! That's very helpful info.
llama momma
llama momma

Certified SFG Instructor

Female Posts : 4914
Join date : 2010-08-20
Location : Central Ohio zone 6a

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  GWN Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:09 am

I have been working on creating hot composts for the past 3 years and feel that I finally have the equation down,
Garden waste is apparently the perfect ratio  30:1
I use weeds, and spent plants, trimmings etc.
I put them all through a chipper and find that I have been very successful at getting fast, hot compost.
The weeds I have are quack grass, which can spread by seed, OR by root. I never let them get to the seed stage and so only deal with the roots.
After they have been shredded in the chipper, and heated, I have never had a problem of them sprouting. The cool thing about quack grass, is that if it IS going to sprout, it will do so very fast and that would be at the compost stage.
I also have a  tumbler which I have never had success with until I decided to try tumbling  the chipper stuff and it works wonderfully now.
I try to save my household compost in a bucket until I am going to be starting a new pile.
The only time  I start new piles is when I do a large load of chipping.

Another thing I have found helpful has been my household "bullet"   Those inexpensive  blenders you can get at costco. I sometimes put my household stuff into a large bullet container and that stuff really ignites the compost pile.
GWN
GWN

Posts : 2799
Join date : 2012-01-14
Age : 68
Location : british columbia zone 5a

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  yolos Fri Aug 29, 2014 11:46 am

Sanderson - I did a little research on the Carbon:Nitrogen question.  This was the best article I found because it actually showed the results of a soil test on the coffee grounds.


http://www.sunset.com/garden/earth-friendly/starbucks-coffee-compost-test

The following information was developed for Sunset by Soil and Plant Laboratory Inc., Bellevue, WA

Carbon/nitrogen ratio: On the basis of dry matter bulk density (452 lbs. per cubic yard), organic matter content (97.7%) and total nitrogen (2.28%), the estimated carbon/nitrogen ratio is about 24:1. This means that there is more than sufficient nitrogen present in the coffee grounds to provide for the nitrogen demand of the soil microorganisms as they degrade the organic fraction.

I also reviewed many other articles that suggested the ratio was approx. 20:1.  That makes them a green.  From what I understand, it is a substitute for those who do not have access to manures.

Here are a few more links


http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/sites/default/files/documents/cffee07.pdf

Coffee grounds are an excellent

nitrogen source for composting. They

have a C/N ratio of 20/1. In informal

trials with OSU/Lane County Extension

Service, Compost Specialists sustained

temperatures of 140O-160OF have been

recorded for up to two weeks (when

coffee grounds were 25% of the material

in the compost pile by volume).



http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/palette/110109.html

There is a lot of research-based information available on using coffee grounds in the garden. Research has shown that coffee grounds are about 2% nitrogen by volume, making them a great source of nitrogen for composting. Coffee grounds have been suggested as a safer alternative than using manure in compost piles.

Some sources will declare that because coffee grounds contain nitrogen, a major plant nutrient, this makes coffee grounds a great fertilizer. But just because they contain nitrogen, it does not mean that coffee grounds are suitable for use as a fertilizer as is. Some studies have shown that using uncomposted coffee grounds in high concentrations around plants will actually stunt their growth. The grounds need to break down before they are truly a benefit to plants. The grounds need the help of microorganisms in order to release their nitrogen. Research has shown that using coffee grounds in compost piles tends to help the pile reach higher internal temperature. This is an important step in proper composting which helps kill weed seeds and pathogens that may be present in the pile.

A good rule of thumb for using coffee grounds in the landscape is to either mix them in with existing soil, or in a compost pile mix one part coffee grounds to one part leaves or other dry material plus one part grass clippings or other green material.
yolos
yolos

Female Posts : 4139
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 74
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Fri Aug 29, 2014 12:52 pm

Yolos,  Nice research for coffee grounds in compost piles.  I have used them in various quantities in my first 5 compost piles.  This current one (sobbing , I have to turn it today) does not have any grounds.

General note:  Audrey suggested I describe how I build and work my fast, hot Berkeley piles. I don't have any experience with the slower composting methods that may include slower composting materials such as chipper materials and corn.
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  plantoid Fri Aug 29, 2014 4:44 pm

Oh Manure. ! ... well that's the subject of
my post.
 
Don't go too mad on the amount of animal dung & urine soaked bedding in your heap for the urine may be rather strong and can turn you pile acidic  .
The male animals produce the most acidic urine evidently .  If you can get the stuff from grass fed animals it's not a acid as that from those fed concentrates and additives in cattle sheds.
 Bird muck is high nitrogen and high phosphate again the nor natural the diet the less acidic the end product .

Rabbit droppings with or with our beddings is absolutely ace in the compost heap , if used neat without bedding  is marvellous when put  directly onto your beds .
plantoid
plantoid

Male Posts : 4091
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:09 am

Plantoid, Good point on different manures in the compost pile. C/N ratios of different manures from the below link:

Cow 10-30
Horse 22-50
Sheep 13-20
Poultry 5-15
Pig 10-20

http://www.norganics.com/applications/cnratio.pdf
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:14 am

I turned the Berkeley pile tonight in the "cool." The low lighting makes the piles look 'green' but it's all brown and some yellow.
Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Compos16
Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Compos17
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  Marc Iverson Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:18 am

Looks like some big pieces there. Are those your corn stalks?
Marc Iverson
Marc Iverson

Male Posts : 3637
Join date : 2013-07-05
Age : 63
Location : SW Oregon

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  sanderson Sat Aug 30, 2014 12:45 pm

No, larger stalks of bedding straw. This is the first time using straw and I'm sure I will have to screen them out of the finished compost. I'll evaluate it later when it's done. I have to turn it at least 2 more times this week, making it 7 turns. I'll keep turning until it no longer heats up, then let it rest or spread it on the front flower beds.

If I had to rate browns for Berkeley piles at this point, I would say small, dry, non-waxy leaves, like my Chinese pistachio and wisteria, are my favorite, with alfalfa hay as #2.
sanderson
sanderson

Forum Administrator

Female Posts : 21616
Join date : 2013-04-21
Age : 75
Location : Fresno CA Zone 8-9

https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  plantoid Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:03 pm

Try and cover the dampened rebuilt heap with am impermeable plastic sheet to retain both heat and moisture  so it sweats .

Those long straws will then be quickly broken down by rot bacteria  and mould spores.

Last year and on a regular basis about 35 years ago  I  used my pressure washer on half power to  fine soak each layers of my rebuilt heaps  as I rebiult them so as to speed up the take up of water in the material , thus getting it started heating and sweating like mad .
plantoid
plantoid

Male Posts : 4091
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  yolos Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:49 pm

Is chlorinated water bad for the compost pile.  I have an aerator that can aerate the water and disperse the chlorine but it is a pain in the neck.  I do not have an electrical outlet near the compost pile so I have to aerate the water in the garage and then wheel barrow it out to the garden.
yolos
yolos

Female Posts : 4139
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 74
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  camprn Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:16 pm

It's fine in my pile.

____________________________

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



Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  WxBanner?bannertype=wu_clean2day_cond&airportcode=KEEN&ForcedCity=Keene&ForcedState=NH&zipcode=03431&language=EN
camprn
camprn

Forum Moderator Certified SFG Teacher

Female Posts : 14129
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 62
Location : Keene, NH, USA ~ Zone 5a

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-week

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  plantoid Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:10 pm

Same with me .

The chlorine is negligible after 8 or so  hours of being exposed to air.
Tthat's why you're advised to  prefill buckets of water for watering delicate plants or topping up your cold water fish tank or pond  and let it stand over night with a clean cloth over them to keep out things before using them.
plantoid
plantoid

Male Posts : 4091
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  jimmy cee Sat Aug 30, 2014 10:19 pm

I ceased the workings of compost science.
After carefully reading  and studying 3 great books on compost I now
just toss al I have in a working pile while the other just sits and waits.
Everything I am doing is going along great.
When I aerate a pile 2 days later it's reading 140 deg F in the middle.
Both of my piles have become worm farms, I never added any, however there are zillions.
I find a good variety of material in a nice sized structure with enough water ( I use chlorinated)
along with an occasional stir will suffice...
The books are interesting, gives a great foot hold.
jimmy cee
jimmy cee

Certified SFG Instructor

Male Posts : 2215
Join date : 2013-02-16
Age : 88
Location : Hatfield PA. zone 6b

Back to top Go down

Berkeley - Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method  Empty Re: Compost: Berkeley 18 day [hot] method

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 16 1, 2, 3 ... 8 ... 16  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum