The hotter the core (center) temp. the sooner it will need air and water and turning. I used to turn my piles at 160F, but that seems to be hot enough to kill some of the bacteria, so now I turn them at 140 or 145F. If I had added problematic ingredients like smelly fish parts in the core at 130F or higher; I would not turn the pile for at least a week. A 'perfect' pile (right mix, small particle size, right moisture, right size) will read 160F in the core after two to three days. I found the $15 spent on a compost thermometer an excellent purchase. Much better value than the $65 spent on a plastic bin, or the $350 spent on a tumbler.

It looks something like Pachyveria 'exotica' (Pachyphytum x Echeveria), but Graptoveria or something even more 'in-between' is always possible. Pot-tipping is always a problem with such top-heavy succulents. The solution is to add ballast stones to the pot. The bigger and more off balance the plant, the heavier the stones. Of course, a prudent beheading once in awhile is always helpful to even things out. Root and pot the decapitated heads. I perform a series of public executions and resurrections this time of year. Try it, it's fun! Leaf recycling of the oldest leaves is normal, especially in winter when it's 'out with the old, in with the new'. In summer, it can be a sign of underwatering, but as long as it is the oldest leaves dessicating, there is nothing to worry about. I agree with Jeffrey, you are growing it well. Pachyveria 'Exotica': Brad

Adiro, Jeanne is correct. The reason your Two Type 2 Clems are blooming on New (green) wood is because they are young recently pruned clematis. They were just bought and put in the ground this spring so will be putting out new vines to climb as well as working on root growth. There will be some blooms that do happen on the new wood this year. Next spring they will bloom first on old wood (the previous years growth) and then later in the season will start to put out some new growth atop the older stems and then probably produce a second less vigorous set of blooms. Each year you have them they will produce more and better blooms. I have several Type 2's and have been rewarded with some of the best blooms after their third year in the ground. I hope I have helped clear things up a bit. I have asked many questions here and Jeanne and many of the others have helped me through all of them. You couldn't come to a better spot with any question you might have about the clems. All my best, Tracy

I keep mine in plastic tubs like you mentioned. I make sure to keep the lid on when I'm not using it. I did get some snow in the turface bin one day but it didn't really seem to matter. The ingredients come dry so unless you wet them they shouldn't get moldy. I have a lot of bins in my shed, it's a lot of product to sift and sort all at once so I have several bins for organizing. I use tap water. I ordered some bonsai screens from Bonsai Jack on Amazon to use to keep the gritty mix from falling out of the drainage holes and it came with a free pH test. I had used it all along but I figured it couldn't hurt to check it. It came out almost a perfect 7 surprisingly. Honestly I don't really know what it should be but I am almost certain 7 is neutral. I just ordered Foliage Pro as well. But I have a lot of plants already in gritty mix that I haven't fertilized yet. I am going to start once they make the move outside into warmer, sunnier conditions. I would definitely cut down the strength but I am not sure how much yet. I usually buy the Manna Pro bags of chicken grit, 3 at a time. That makes a pretty decent sized amount. So far I haven't used the entire bag of Repti-Bark and I have gone through 5 bags of that chicken grit. I just ordered 3 more so I will probably need more bark soon. To me, buying all these ingredients, sifting it, and mixing it myself is definitely worth the trouble over buying pre-made soil.