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Soil, Compost & Mulch

Frozen Compost Pile

15 years ago

My compost pile has frozen. Well it did thaw out a bit today. I turned the top few layers a bit just to peak. I saw some earth worms near the bottom. Its starting to get that black look to it though. I dont think ive got the heat out of it but it is breaking down. We have had overnights temps below zero here in Missouri. Today was in the 40's though. Im hoping to have this batch made my March.

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Comments (7)

val_s
15 years ago
Well....sounds like you're lucky than me. My pile is frozen solid what with the freezing rain...then snow....freezing rain...and so forth that we've had. I couldn't turn any layers if I wanted to....which I don't :-)

Winter is my time to hibernate. Except for throwing things in, I don't get too excited about my compost in the winter. I just pretend to be interested in here so they'll keep letting me play.

Val
robertz6
15 years ago
Not enough info given for an opinion.

1) What is size of bin?
2) What materials were used?
3) What was particle size?
4) How often is it turned?
5) Moisture?
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Earthworms are not major digesters of the material in a compost bin, some worm species do very well in a vermicomposter but that is a different method. If you have a lot of earthworms in your compost material that is an indication that the material is too wet, because earthworms need a pretty moist environment to work in, and if the compost material was that wet it will freeze and that is also why that compost did not heat up. While the average temperature around here has been in the mid 20's all winter my compost piles are still working, the bacteria are still active and the material has not, except for the edges, even begun to freeze.
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Keeping in mind that what freezes when the temperatures drop low enough is water, it probably is not a good idea for people in these cold regions to add water to the mix unless it is absolutely necessary. It is very common for the moist material on the exterior of your pile, if it has some moisture in it, to freeze when the temperatures drop low enough, long enough. How deeply the material will freeze depends on how cold it gets and how long it stays that cold. People are often surprised to find, however, that the center of the pile, it you have sufficient volume, is being worked on and is quite warm. Turning compost piles in winter and getting the frozen exterior is generally not considered a good idea, any more than adding more water would be. Adding water can cool the material and it will displace the air the bacteria also need to function, besides having that property that allows water to solidify.
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Comments (25)
It seemed to be nicely moist in most places. There were definitely some dry spots, especially in some of the timothy hay. I really didn't loosen up the hay when I put it in the pile. I simply peeled off chunks from the bale. They were still dry in a number of spots. I added some water, but I don't think it was enough. The pile has not shown any signs of heating up again. Since my compost pile is at my allotment site, and it is March, there is no ready, close source of water yet. The taps won't be on until May. I have been doing my best with some plastic jugs of water, but for a big pile, it does not seem to be enough. The forecast for the weekend is 25C and sunny too! Here is what it looks like after the turn. I rolled off the top bales at the front, revealing the darker composting material inside the bale bin. The darker bale in the lower right is timothy hay, the rest are straw. I also have spread a "lid" of loose straw over the compost. It still has a long way to go.
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Comments (18)
lilacs of may - I agree w/the "need more greens" opinions above (which is not to say that I disagree w/the "need more water" opinions - I just don't have an opinion about the water thing b/c my bin is in a container & I tend to have too much moisture more often than not). The way you described it - 1 thin green, 1 thick brown of mostly leaves - seems like it would take a real long time to decompose. I've noticed leaves in my bin take a long time, which I didn't expect. But, my bin takes a short time to decompose when I've used mostly garden/kitchen waste, intense greens (such as UCG/dried blood/alfalfa), and some browns such as (leaves/paper towels/napkins/shredded moistened cardboard) - IF I turn it ALOT (again it's in a bin so this might not be as crucial to your formula). Plus, I also find that we each have a preferred "formula" for our individual systems, lifestyles & area of the country. I've added below a link to my list of 201 Compost Ingredients, if you want to brainstorm about more "greens." BTW, we just got our first Starbucks (10 min away) - prior to that the nearest starbucks was 1 hour away & that was just in a bookstore. I am already collecting from a local coffee shop (actually, they were new about 2 yrs ago - pre-local-Starbucks - and I told them about Starbucks' habit of bagging & offering UCG for peoples' gardens & so now they're doing it! yippee!). And, actually, most of the UCG I gather go directly onto soil (under the store-bought pine/other bark/shredded mulch) or onto the grass. So, do it again this year & keep experimenting to see what works! polly in IL - that is BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for the pix! All the Best, Tree Here is a link that might be useful: 201 Compost ingredients
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Lloyd
15 years ago
"I just pretend to be interested in here so they'll keep letting me play."

Okay now this is getting ridiculous, Val, earlier you stated that you didn't take composting seriously, now you admit, admit I say, you are only feigning an interest in compost.

I am almost at a loss of words to describe my despondency and I find myself full of woe. If there were a compost purgatory, I, for one, would have to seriously consider banishing you forthwith to such a place. It would not bring me joy to undertake such a drastic move but I fear if this attitude were condoned it could spread like a cold virus amongst us unwashed masses.

Those of us who proudly wear the compost enthusiast badge should not be subjected to this blatant heresy in such an august place as the SCM Forum.

Lloyd

All attempt at humor folks, don't git your knickers in a knot.
val_s
15 years ago
Loid - just for you hon, I went out and played in the compost today.....of course it helped that the temps were in the high 50's!

Right before it rained hubby and I cleaned out the fridge and went out and dumped the junk...I mean "great stuff" in the pile, swished it all up with the leaves that were already there, stood back and admired....mmmmmm....good stuff. We even took the pitch fork and whipped it around inside the EM.

Am I redeemed?

Val

PS - I don't have a badge....maybe that's my problem???
gnomey
15 years ago
Who are you kidding Llooyydd? It's a compost WACKO badge.
Lloyd
15 years ago
"Am I redeemed?"

Well, okay then, I'm only half full of woe.

Loid

P.S. Val, you and Hubs have to slow down, that is just way too exciting, be still my heart.
val_s
15 years ago
you and Hubs have to slow down, that is just way too exciting

Don't worry your pretty little head about it, luv. We took a nap afterwords. Twas exhausting!

Val

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