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Owensboro, Ky.

Have read on a couple diaries lately, about folks covering compost pile, to keep temp up during cold weather. Any input? Seems as this would restrict o2 access, which I thought was needed in composting process!! All input appreciated!!! Peace, Wayne

3/22/2010 3:17:04 PM

Ham Lake, Minnesota

Here in Minneapols my hot composting effort is in full swing. Been up to 150 already once, but mixed it up and added the right stuff now they (the compost bins) are around 120-140 constant. Mine have no trouble keeping up thier own heat. Just making sure the right balance and ingredients are in place and they're fired up. I fork the bins up every three to four days so they dont go over 150 degrees, then I add browns, greens, or water as needed.

3/22/2010 3:51:53 PM

Midway, UT

I cover mine with plastic to get a greenhouse effect in the winter and it seems to work okay. I also turn the pile every week though to get oxygen into the pile. I've thought about CO2 build up under the clear plastic but it doesn't seem to be much of a problem since I turn the pile frequently and there is some air flow at the endges of the plastic into the pile because it is just on top loosely.

3/22/2010 6:00:25 PM

Colorado

Wayne I had two big(18 yard)piles that we dumped off last october.I watered them down to have enough moisture to compost.In colorado-high desert-most times a pile of crap will be too dry.I put a blue tarp over both to help hold heat in.Anyhow ive been moving them into my back yard and was supprized to see thousands of red wigglers breeding in them already.Covering helps keep the external 12-16 inches from freezing.we probably have similar winter temps to kentucky

3/22/2010 7:15:37 PM

Gold Hill, Oregon

blue tarps work best they keep out most of the rain and also alow ventilation. compost piles will make thier own heat.

3/24/2010 5:18:54 AM