heating with compost?
15 years ago
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- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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Winter Compost Idea: Will it work?
Comments (2)Won't work ... the classic "hot box" used a DEEP bed of fresh manure under the box as a source of heat to keep the soil warm for the seeds. Because heat rises - it won't go sideways into your box. If you have well-germinated seedlings (from indoors) you can keep them growing in a "cold frame" which can be straw bales with some sort of glass over them. After they germinate they can get by with less warmth....See MoreHeating with compost?
Comments (6)The best method of getting heat from compost is to build a biodigester so you can use the methane gas that would be generated in that digester. There would be a considerable amount of fluctuation in available heat from a compost pile while you could make the digester produce a fairly even amount of gas to burn....See MoreSolar heated compost?
Comments (6)Scotty, The main goal, I would think, would be to keep the microherd going so they can keep the pile active. In essence, you have to feed the compost and not just keep it warm. By providing heat, the compost will stay warm, but to keep it decomposing, your little army has to remain active in there. (Getting repetitive here...) Anyhow, I compost throughout the winter here in Nova Scotia. Mind you, I certainly don't have the extreme cold and dry winter weather you have in Alberta. Having been in Edmonton for 3 weeks in February I know what you folks have to endure - those -40C can be wicked. My best winter piles were walled by bales of hay/straw from the north winds. The main items going into these piles were used coffee grounds - I collect about 250 lbs per week - seaweed, and shredded leaves. Even with spells of -25C, the piles would remain active. Nothing was added during the week to let the piles regain activity. Everything added on the weekends if the temperatures outside were above -10C. Most times the temperature in the piles was between +35C to +40C, although sometimes it would go higher. Needless to say, the worms were happy to have a home and ample food during this time....See MoreHow can I heat up my compost?
Comments (6)I've heard a good dose of seafood scraps will do it. Check with your local grocery for the time they cull and if you can have it, then bury it deep in the middle. More coffee grounds- hit your local Starbucks for a good dose. Other greens: check the Produce department while you're at the grocery for their cull, too. If you don't usually rake your lawn when you mow it, that might glean you a good shot of greens, too, for the time being. (Personally, I leave my cuttings on the lawn...nice & lush...but if I NEEDED the greens, you betcha I'd be raking some for the pile). Got a farmer's market stand nearby? Hit them up. Lawn maintenance company around? Maybe they'd be a good source. Or any neighbors that might have a bag-attachment on their lawn mower. Good luck!...See More- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
- 11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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