I'm a first time composter & made a small 3'x4' one from old pallets.
Its maybe a foot deep now and layered sorta in grass clippings, wood
chips, a little dirt and some dry sunflower and pumpkin plants (damned
squash bugs!!!), kitchen veggie scraps etc. I've dampened it a few
times but...
So here's the question. I've covered it on top only with a piece of
solar cover from our old swimming pool to increase the heat inside. Its
worked well so far as it relates to the heat. So is this a good idea to
continue into the fall and winter, or should I uncover it and let nature
take its course? Compost bin is next to the house, direct morning sun
only, very little rain.

On Mon, 01 Sep 2003 10:38:51 -0600, Grandpa
wrote:

I'm a first time composter & made a small 3'x4' one from old pallets.
Its maybe a foot deep now and layered sorta in grass clippings, wood
chips, a little dirt and some dry sunflower and pumpkin plants (damned
squash bugs!!!), kitchen veggie scraps etc. I've dampened it a few
times but...
So here's the question. I've covered it on top only with a piece of
solar cover from our old swimming pool to increase the heat inside. Its
worked well so far as it relates to the heat. So is this a good idea to
continue into the fall and winter, or should I uncover it and let nature
take its course? Compost bin is next to the house, direct morning sun
only, very little rain.


We don't cover any of our bins and we keep a watering can nearby to
add water (from the pond) if needed. They stay steamy hot in the
middle of winter and they are in shade. It probably does not hurt it
to cover it, but if it turns sour (stinky) you know more air
circulation is needed. I'm more concerned about varmints digging
into the compost and have covered with with hardware cloth.

Phisherman wrote:

On Mon, 01 Sep 2003 10:38:51 -0600, Grandpa
wrote:


I'm a first time composter & made a small 3'x4' one from old pallets.
Its maybe a foot deep now and layered sorta in grass clippings, wood
chips, a little dirt and some dry sunflower and pumpkin plants (damned
squash bugs!!!), kitchen veggie scraps etc. I've dampened it a few
times but...
So here's the question. I've covered it on top only with a piece of
solar cover from our old swimming pool to increase the heat inside. Its
worked well so far as it relates to the heat. So is this a good idea to
continue into the fall and winter, or should I uncover it and let nature
take its course? Compost bin is next to the house, direct morning sun
only, very little rain.



We don't cover any of our bins and we keep a watering can nearby to
add water (from the pond) if needed. They stay steamy hot in the
middle of winter and they are in shade. It probably does not hurt it
to cover it, but if it turns sour (stinky) you know more air
circulation is needed. I'm more concerned about varmints digging
into the compost and have covered with with hardware cloth.

So far no smell and no critters. Should I keep it damp or let it dry
out? Right now I water it maybe once a week or 10 days. Mine is pretty
dry for the most part. FWIW, I'ce read several books and web sites
wilth info but int he end they all seem to contradict each othersigh,
thus I ask for others experiences - thanx!

Damp is not necessary, moist is best. Most piles will be moist in the
middle, and dry out around the edges which is normal. Dig down a few
inches and if it's dry, water it. Adding a little more green (than
brown stuff) adds water too. Treat compost piles like a living
thing--they all need *some* water to survive. But compost piles are
very forgiving, if the die (stop cooking), they can be brought back to
life again under more favorable conditions. If your pile is under 1
cubic yard, it will be more difficult keeping it moist. Composting is
very easy once you get the knack of it, and all serious gardeners
should have a compost pile or two or three.

On Mon, 01 Sep 2003 21:28:40 -0600, Grandpa
wrote:

snip

So far no smell and no critters. Should I keep it damp or let it dry
out? Right now I water it maybe once a week or 10 days. Mine is pretty
dry for the most part. FWIW, I'ce read several books and web sites
wilth info but int he end they all seem to contradict each othersigh,
thus I ask for others experiences - thanx!

Sounds like its time to dampen it again then, thanx. Mine may get to
1cuyd at most once I clean out the flowers and veggie plants this fall.

Phisherman wrote:

Damp is not necessary, moist is best. Most piles will be moist in the
middle, and dry out around the edges which is normal. Dig down a few
inches and if it's dry, water it. Adding a little more green (than
brown stuff) adds water too. Treat compost piles like a living
thing--they all need *some* water to survive. But compost piles are
very forgiving, if the die (stop cooking), they can be brought back to
life again under more favorable conditions. If your pile is under 1
cubic yard, it will be more difficult keeping it moist. Composting is
very easy once you get the knack of it, and all serious gardeners
should have a compost pile or two or three.