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TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
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17 posters
Page 9 of 13
Page 9 of 13 • 1, 2, 3 ... 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Just turned Bin #1 3x3x3. Yikes that is hard work for an old guy. I don't know how you do it sanderson. I can't see me doing that in the heat of summer. The core temp after turning is down to 84F from 125F just before turning.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
you're right TD!!! I did a video on that tumbler to warn the world not to buy it.trolleydriver wrote:Whatever you do don't buy this compost bin. I obtained a used one from a neighbor and I hated it. It was very difficult (heavy) to turn once you got it partially filled with damp material. Really bad design as far as I am concerned.has55 wrote:great sale on compost items such as compost thermometers, etc...
grow organic.com
Watermelon and compost tumbler
has55- Posts : 2346
Join date : 2012-05-10
Location : Denton, tx
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 has moved from 84F after turning yesterday to 99F. I'm beginning to think this bin does not have the right combination/ratio of ingredients.
Bin #2 is maintaining a good temperature at 132F. This is even after adding more kitchen scraps and aerating by stirring with a reinforcing rod yesterday.
Outside ambient temperature as of the time of taking the readings is 81F.
Bin #2 is maintaining a good temperature at 132F. This is even after adding more kitchen scraps and aerating by stirring with a reinforcing rod yesterday.
Outside ambient temperature as of the time of taking the readings is 81F.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Don't forget that I am at least 6 months younger than you! I need to make another pile after this one is finished, or not finished. After turning on the 15th, mine is up to 130*F, the highest it's been. Tomorrow (today) is another turning.trolleydriver wrote:Just turned Bin #1 3x3x3. Yikes that is hard work for an old guy. I don't know how you do it sanderson. I can't see me doing that in the heat of summer.
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
As of 8 a.m. the temps are Bin #1 120F (that is +21F from the previous reading) and Bin #2 140F (+8 from previous reading). I usually measure the temps later in the day so I'll do another reading later and that is what I will add to the graphs.
sanderson ... if the material in the bin does "not finish" what do you do with it?
sanderson ... if the material in the bin does "not finish" what do you do with it?
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Never happened before. I used to screen but I like the chunkier compost for top dressing. I suppose I will use it as top dressing on everything. Then, start a new pile. I know the Red Wigglers will love what ever I put on top, finished or fizzled.trolleydriver wrote:
sanderson ... if the material in the bin does "not finish" what do you do with it?
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Yup ... top dressing is what I have used it for.sanderson wrote:Never happened before. I used to screen but I like the chunkier compost for top dressing. I suppose I will use it as top dressing on everything. Then, start a new pile. I know the Red Wigglers will love what ever I put on top, finished or fizzled.trolleydriver wrote:
sanderson ... if the material in the bin does "not finish" what do you do with it?
Today's temperatures ... things are cooking nicely ... Bin #1 140F (up 15F since yesterday) and Bin #2 142F (holding steady). Current outside temp is 54F. I should turn Bin #1 again but may wait until tomorrow since I am not holding fast to the Berkeley 18-day hot composting method.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Reminds me, I need to wet my down and give it a through mix. Perhaps, moving the bin and reloading it completely.
Also thinking about adding a second composter to the one that I have. I wonder how well the rotating ones work.
Also thinking about adding a second composter to the one that I have. I wonder how well the rotating ones work.
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Swamp, I just bought this one with a bar in the middle that allows breaking up the material and aeration to the material. Haven't used it. Some have fins like a dryer to tumble the material.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
I'm totally jealous. It's just too freaking hot to turn the compost. Maybe Friday when it gets back into the 80's.
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
I definitely will not be able to turn Bin #1 in hot weather. It just about finishes me off.sanderson wrote:I'm totally jealous. It's just too freaking hot to turn the compost. Maybe Friday when it gets back into the 80's.
I either need a double bin system or a motorized mini front end loader to move the material. Maybe something like this ...
BTW ... Bin #1 is up to 110F at 8:00 a.m. today which is up from 92F after tyrning yesterday.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
I updated the previous post after I turned the contents of Bin #2. The temp in that bin is now down to 75F after turning.
NOTE: I am posting these compost temperature readings for the benefit of the forum members. My hope is that others will learn from my mistakes and successes with composting. If the daily posts are too much just let me know (probably best via PM but comments +ve or -ve posted on this thread are welcome a well). The last thing I want to do is overwhelm people or make it seem like I am "hogging" the forum.
NOTE: I am posting these compost temperature readings for the benefit of the forum members. My hope is that others will learn from my mistakes and successes with composting. If the daily posts are too much just let me know (probably best via PM but comments +ve or -ve posted on this thread are welcome a well). The last thing I want to do is overwhelm people or make it seem like I am "hogging" the forum.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
When I turn my compost I find a lot of "white" on the material as shown in this photo.
I read on the InterWeb this is actinomycetes ... "This is a fungus-like bacterium, which works as a decomposer, breaking apart plant tissue. The presence of fungi in composting can be a bad thing and indicate improper balance of bacterial agents but actinomycetes in manure compost and other organic material indicates successful decomposition of tough fibrous items."
I also read the following on another forum: "If your pile is generating significant amounts of powdery residuals, you might want to consider wearing a mask when turning the pile. I am aware of one person who landed in the hospital with a persistent lung infection that was thought to have been caused by turning a compost pile. The infection was successfully treated with antibiotics, but it took a week or so, as I remember. "
I read on the InterWeb this is actinomycetes ... "This is a fungus-like bacterium, which works as a decomposer, breaking apart plant tissue. The presence of fungi in composting can be a bad thing and indicate improper balance of bacterial agents but actinomycetes in manure compost and other organic material indicates successful decomposition of tough fibrous items."
I also read the following on another forum: "If your pile is generating significant amounts of powdery residuals, you might want to consider wearing a mask when turning the pile. I am aware of one person who landed in the hospital with a persistent lung infection that was thought to have been caused by turning a compost pile. The infection was successfully treated with antibiotics, but it took a week or so, as I remember. "
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
The temps continue to rise after turning the contents of the bins.
Bin #1 is now at 148F (up 13F from the previous day).
Bin #2 is now at 112F (up 15F from the previous day). Considering this is a small bin compared to Bin #1 it still does a pretty good job of heating up. This maybe due to the fact that it gets a fresh supply of kitchen scraps every few days.
This may sound really crazy but I get a big kick our of measuring the temps in the bins every day. Never know what to expect. For me it's as much fun as growing things but when it comes to turning the materials in the bins it is hard work (at least I find it so).
Bin #1 is now at 148F (up 13F from the previous day).
Bin #2 is now at 112F (up 15F from the previous day). Considering this is a small bin compared to Bin #1 it still does a pretty good job of heating up. This maybe due to the fact that it gets a fresh supply of kitchen scraps every few days.
This may sound really crazy but I get a big kick our of measuring the temps in the bins every day. Never know what to expect. For me it's as much fun as growing things but when it comes to turning the materials in the bins it is hard work (at least I find it so).
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
You've inspired me to get thermometers so I can keep a closer eye on my compost pile, and hopefully I'll be able to get it to a healthier, better balanced and faster cooking state.
Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
I like vicarious composting! And graphs!trolleydriver wrote:I updated the previous post after I turned the contents of Bin #2. The temp in that bin is now down to 75F after turning.
NOTE: I am posting these compost temperature readings for the benefit of the forum members. My hope is that others will learn from my mistakes and successes with composting. If the daily posts are too much just let me know (probably best via PM but comments +ve or -ve posted on this thread are welcome a well). The last thing I want to do is overwhelm people or make it seem like I am "hogging" the forum.
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trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator- Posts : 5388
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 77
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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