Nice job I really like that big bin
What state are you in?

That is one big bin! I wish I could get that type of temp. I ground my leaves and I found that the moisture ran deeper into the pile. I was trying to break into the pile last week and had to get through about 5-6-inch ice barrier. How deep does that thermometer stick go?

Thanks, it has taken me 7 years to try to figure out some of the best ways to compost with as little effort as possible. I'm in zone 6-5, 30 miles north-west of Cincinnati in Ohio. That thermometer goes in 18", not even close to to the center of that pile. Those 4' thermometers are expensive and I'm all about free or very cheap. That one was a gift, costs $23.

Instead of turning the pile, I take a sturdy 1/2" diameter piece of rebar or pipe and poke holes all over the outside of the pile and on top too. This allows air (sides) and rain (top) to get into the middle of the pile. I send that rebar in 5-6 feet a hundred times or so (really not that hard, easier than turning). I do not want to turn because I do not want to loose all that built-up heat (and because I'm lazy).

I have done smaller piles and have found 5-6 feet minimun works best, 4 feet tall. I collect hundreds of bagged leaves from my neighborhood in the fall and add coffee grounds every week in layers until I run out of leaves, then I just keep adding the ucg to the top of the pile until spring. Then I will use the ucg in my vessel composters once they are emptied.

Pete

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I like it.

I'm impressed too.

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How big is your garden?
Are those cattle panels?
I'm looking to make enough compost for my garden and this looks like a good way to do it.

Mailman double duece,

My garden is 75'X120'. I plant in 3'-4' wide rows that are 20'-25' long. I have about 10 beds, each bed has 6-8 tomato plants. I put @ 3cu.ft. compost mixed into each planting hole. I also add 2 cups oyster shells, 1 cup mag. sulfate(epson salts), and this year I am going to experiment with dry molasses in each hole.
Those panels are actually galvinized wire shelving with 2"x4" holes. Cattle panels or hog panels(smaller spacing at the bottom) would work well also. Larger leaves and twigs toward the outside of the pile should keep most of the leaves inside the bin.

Pete