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Danville Va.

Iam using all non-meat non-dairy proudts from the table and grass clippings,etc. Question is how often should I turn my pile? My method of turning in raking the pile towards me,then going to the side it was just on and raking back to the spot I just raked from.Should I do this every day,once a week,etc?

9/7/2008 6:03:53 PM

Denver, CO

The more often you turn a pile, the more it will introduce the oxygen needed to "feed" the bacteria which in turn will heat up the pile and break down the matter. But also needs to keep evenly mosit. A good thremometer is really useful here, a meat thremometer will work. You want to get temps to 160- 180 degrees and keep them there for 10 days or so if possible.

Thus, the more you turn it,the easier the above is to accomplish, assuming all other things are in balance. Everyday is great, but once a week is sufficent for the first 3 weeks and then once every other week or every three weeks after that works great.

9/7/2008 7:26:25 PM

Danville Va.

Just for fun,,,,lets say I have a new pile of grass clippings,,,all conditions are favorable,,,,,,How many days would it take for me to see 160-180 degrees?

9/7/2008 11:25:40 PM

Seattle, WA

Google "Compost Calculator" to get the right carbon:nitrogen ratios. Check out the soilfoodweb.com website "About us" section for more info. I believe you want the compost to reach 160 (for some reason 137 deg. F is sticking in my head) for 24 hours before turning (this kills pathogens and weed seeds). Then, the pile will heat to that temp again or slightly lower. After 3-4 turnings, the pile won't get as hot each time and the compost will be finished. Check my numbers though, I'm doing this from memory and it's a bit late at night....

~Tad

9/8/2008 2:20:10 AM

Seattle, WA

Went and found a good link for you today:

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/FACTS/COMPOST.HTM

9/8/2008 1:34:13 PM

southwest MO

Could easily go to 160 in 24 hour if everything is perfect. You dont want to go over that.

9/8/2008 5:34:49 PM

Denver, CO

Yes, 2 to 3 days and it will be up there in the temps you are looking for. But read about right combinations of brown material and green material and mositure. It does not need to be perfect and in fact can be way off, but the more closely correctly mixed the quicker the reactions.
Here is the site I used.
http://gardening.wsu.edu/stewardship/compost/yardcomp/yard1.htm

9/8/2008 11:15:58 PM

Danville Va.

Got a long stemed thermometer and placed it in the pile. pile is at 100 degress.I guess with all the hot weather it was hard to feel the heat coming off the pile.

9/10/2008 10:10:15 AM