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Should I start a new pile?

Posted by Hagendean98 none (My Page) on
Thu, Oct 6, 11 at 20:27

I have a compost pile that is about 1/2 finished. Should I start a new pile with all the leaves I need to rake or add it to the pile I have started. The pile I have started is hot since I can see the steam when I turn it.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Should I start a new pile?

Sounds like a perfect time to start a new pile.

Karen


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RE: Should I start a new pile?

Depends on a couple of things.

Type of leaves and if you have other greens.
For example, if you have sweet gum and maple, they would keep the heat up better than just adding oak leaves. (C:N 20 to 30 versus maybe 60 for oak).

Size of the pile. If the pile is less than 3 feet by 3 feet, I'd be more inclined to make one big pile. I prefer 4 feet in diameter, two to three feet high.

I love October because there is at least one week where you can mowe the lawn and get a optimal mix of grass and shredded leaves. Sometimes I sprinkle a little water in with it.


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RE: Should I start a new pile?

I haven't gotten my pile to actually steam... I've left the pitchfork in the pile overnight and if you pull it out of the pile the tines are uncomfortably hot to the touch... but no visible steam.
maybe it's like "seeing your breath"... the outside temperature has to be cool/cold?


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