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| I had recently posted in the thread New at Composting?
I wanted to give an update but thought it may get a better read as a new thread instead of adding to my old one. Went out today to add some more to my compost piles, decided to turn the piles first and add into the middle (added food scraps. floral cuttings, grass, and spent green bean plants, along with some straw, fine shredded paper, and some old leaves) Got out the pitchfork and rake and as soon as I got into the piles, found I had real heat going! It was like cracking an egg, as soon as I broke the surface, I was rewarded with steam rising! It seems I did get my hot beds up and running after all. Remember this was the first time turning, i have to share when I got to a layer that had bagels and bread, MAN did that stuff stink to high heaven! But I just turned it all and got that smelly stuff covered back in. I was amazed that how much some of the stuff down under had broken down all ready. I has been a fairly short time, I find this so interesting! Adding the goodies really grew the pile a fair bit larger in size ( I am sure the extra fluffing from turning added to this as well). I know so many of you have experienced the steam heat and it is old news, But I just thought it was so cool. I had to share, tried telling my wife, she just says oh I am glad you are getting it how you wanted.(You could tell she could have cared less) So I figured some of you would get it! That was my update, going to start a third pile this week, I am addicted! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by vermontkingdom 4a (My Page) on Sat, Oct 1, 11 at 5:45
| Whether you are new to composting, or have been a devout composter for decades, the joy you feel when turning a steaming pile does not diminish with time. If anything, as you become more experienced, knowledgeable and committed, the exhilaration with it often increases. |
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| Since compost should never "stink to high heaven" there is a reason. Was that odor putrid? That indicates the mix is too wet and not getting enough air. Was that odor more ammonia like? That would indicate too much Nitrogen in the mix. Compost, even during digetion, should have an odor like good, rich earth. Pleasant and not at all offensive. |
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| Actually it all had a nice earthy smell, except for the bread/bagel layer, above and below it was fine just that one area had the smell, I did not know if it was a yeast thing or something similar. I did throw a little extra browns with the breads when I refolded the mix.......I was pleasantly surprised ow the smells were decent except for that one area. |
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- Posted by jonhughes So.Oregon (jonehughes@hotmail.com) on Sat, Oct 1, 11 at 10:08
| Hi tesmith, That is way cool ;-) Keep up the good work brother ! |
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| maybe large bits of food, like a bagel... could be chopped up and spread around the compost like croutons? |
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| "going to start a third pile this week" That's how it begins alright. :-) It is not abnormal to find areas within a pile with a more pungent odor. Mix it up a bit and it will usually resolve itself if most of the parameters are within the favorable ranges. Sounds like you are having fun. I'm guessing pictures will be next? I have more pictures of my composting endeavors than I have of family members. Lloyd |
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