Re: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer

plantoid 10/15/2017, 2:47 pm

Trolley your square bin looks a little damp inthe contents still inthe bin

My thought ... Were you able to poke half a dozen holes down from top to bottom of the bin to get air into the bin deep down ? Do you have a lid on the bin most of th time to retain composting heat & keep out excessive moisture ?

**trolleydriver** 10/15/2017, 3:28 pm

plantoid wrote:Trolley your square bin looks a little damp inthe contents still inthe bin

My thought ... Were you able to poke half a dozen holes down from top to bottom of the bin to get air into the bin deep down ? Do you have a lid on the bin most of th time to retain composting heat & keep out excessive moisture ?

Plantoid ... Thanks for the suggestions. If by "square bin" you mean the SoilSaver bin, the contents were turned and did not heat up again. So I do not think poking holes is going to help. The contents look dark but are not soaking wet ... just a little damp (more so on top than down below). As well, I keep both the SoilSaver and the 3x3x3 bin covered at all times except when I am working on them. However, the covers are a few inches above the contents and perhaps the overnight dew is making the top of the contents wet. Very Happy

Guest 12/3/2017, 1:56 pm

If this hasn't already been posted, here's a great compost thermometer - 20" long! And for those like me who need readers to see anything close at all, it's colored so it's easier to see if you're in the right range:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BMX3SYI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

--- Best part - only $20 delivered!

**sanderson** 12/4/2017, 3:19 am

The link did not lead to a compost thermometer. ??

**trolleydriver** 12/4/2017, 8:02 am

sanderson wrote:The link did not lead to a compost thermometer. ??

It works for me if I cut and paste it into my browser. I have now edited it to make it a complete click-on link.

Guest 12/4/2017, 9:30 am

Thanks for fixing it trollydriver - I guess I'm still too new to be able to post actual clickable links. Hope that link helps someone - looks to be a great thermometer!

**sanderson** 12/4/2017, 1:45 pm

TD, thanks for fixing it.

has55 2/12/2018, 9:05 pm

jimmy cee wrote:The sensing area on the probe is at the tip, thats where two wires are connected together. Place a small tubing clamp before sliding into cap hole. Adjust so much of the probe protrudes out the cap, then attach another close to cap to make probe rigid. You might have to search around for those clamps as they are not common. Auto parts stores may have small clamps for vacuum tubing.

Jimmy cee would you be able to post a picture or a link to a picture of those clamps?

has55 2/12/2018, 9:06 pm

TD , on page 6 or 7 you started using a reotemp compost thermometer. Which would you use now, the digital or reotemp?

has55 2/15/2018, 5:46 am

has55 wrote:TD , on page 6 or 7 you started using a reotemp compost thermometer. Which would you use now, the digital or reotemp?

TD do you have a favorite choice?
You may have answer this question earlier in the thread but I didn’t read all of the thread because it’s so long

**trolleydriver** 2/15/2018, 7:27 pm

has55 wrote:
has55 wrote:TD , on page 6 or 7 you started using a reotemp compost thermometer. Which would you use now, the digital or reotemp?
TD do you have a favorite choice?
You may have answer this question earlier in the thread but I didn’t read all of the thread because it’s so long

I like the Reotemp. The digital are fun but they don't have a long life.

has55 2/17/2018, 8:17 am

Thanks for the update that’s good to know
I bought one small but I haven’t done anything with itt.
I’’m going to order a reotemp today.

has55 3/5/2018, 5:11 pm

trolleydriver wrote:
sanderson wrote:Can you add a red dot or something when ever you turn them to introduce more oxygen?
I'll try to indicate that on the graphs.

Here are today's temperatures and graphs. Bin #1 (3x3x3) is at 110F (the Active zone) and Bin #2 (SoilSaver) is at 131F (just into the Hot zone). Both bins should have thermophile bacteria active at this time. Lookin' good.

now that you been using the reotemp do you suggest buying the orange support to assist inserting the rod into the compost pile?
REOTEMP FM-0 Probe Handle for Compost Thermometers

has55 3/5/2018, 5:42 pm

Just found this website for a digital thermometer. Going to buy one while on sale.
Heavy Duty Waterproof Thermometer, 24-inch (RT610B-24)

This is the response from the chat line with Beverly.

Beverly Bowman4:25 pmHi.
4:26 pmHow can I help today?
Austin'slooking at your product Heavy Duty Waterproof Thermometer, 24-inch (RT610B-24). Will this work in a compost pile
I noticed all the reply seem mostly related to beer brewing?
Beverly BowmanIt is true, it is used for brewing. I will work for what you want too, as long as the compose pile isn't too deep.
austintoo deep? I wanted to insert in probably 20 inches
it's 24". are you saying it will break or bend?
Beverly BowmanThen it will work for you.
austincan it be left outdoor?
Beverly BowmanI will ask an expert, I will be right back.
austinhave you had any feedback of your customers using it in a compost pile or will I be the first one?
is there any warranty?
Beverly BowmanThat unit is an instant read.
It has an auto shut off.
If left out over time, water or liquid could make it's way in.
There is a 2 year warranty, as long as it is used as an instant read.
austinhave you had any feedback of your customers using it in a compost pile or will I be the first one?
Beverly BowmanI haven't had a customer tell me they were using it for a compost pile.
Usually it is used in the beer making processes.
I can be used in your compost pile.
austinOk, thank you. awesome answers. Great. I will buy one, maybe two.
would it be ok to post these questions and answer to my square foot garden forum? Read
Beverly BowmanYes, no worries.
austinthank you for your help. Have a great day.

**trolleydriver** 3/5/2018, 8:01 pm

Has55

1. (now that you been using the reotemp do you suggest buying the orange support to assist inserting the rod into the compost pile? REOTEMP FM-0 Probe Handle for Compost Thermometers)

- Never seen it before and from my use of the compost thermometer probably not necessary

2. Concerning the other "beer" thermometer. Why? Why not buy a compost thermometer instead?

has55 3/5/2018, 8:49 pm

I been looking for a digital thermometer as suggested by Jimmie Cee, but could not find a low-cost one that's effective. They had it posted as use for composting. that's why I was following your experiment with the digital probe. Jimmie cee said very little issues with them. I'm going to try it out for the R & D journey and post back my findings. You cut the first pathway and there many of us following you. Gardening is so wonderous for experimenting. I hope it works well.

**trolleydriver** 3/5/2018, 9:22 pm

has55 wrote:I been looking for a digital thermometer as suggested by Jimmie Cee, but could not find a low-cost one that's effective. They had it posted as use for composting. that's why I was following your experiment with the digital probe. Jimmie cee said very little issues with them. I'm going to try it out for the R & D journey and post back my findings. You cut the first pathway and there many of us following you. Gardening is so wonderous for experimenting. I hope it works well.

I'm still using one of my digital thermometers to monitor indoor seed starting mix temps.

The waterproof digital thermometer you linked to looks good to me and it is on sale. Win win.

Experimenting is great. Go for it.

has55 3/5/2018, 10:12 pm

trolleydriver wrote:I'm still using one of my digital thermometers to monitor indoor seed starting mix temps.

The waterproof digital thermometer you linked to looks good to me and it is on sale. Win win.

Experimenting is great. Go for it.

yea it was within my budget. bounce

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