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Sun, Dec 9, 12 at 13:42
| I just shredded oak leaves and used about 30#s of alfalfa pellets as a green because I had very little tables scraps. My pile is 5 feet high by 5 feet wide by 5 feet long and has gotten to 140 degrees in four days. My questions ar: How long will it stay 140 degrees without turning it- 1 week 2 weeks, a month? Thanks |
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| There are a number of variables that can determine that, air, moisture, Nitrogen availability, but I would not expect that temperature to last much more than a few days,a week maybe. When the temperature drops off you can turn it and the temperature may rise again depending on those same variables. As you turn that pile look at it and determine if there are more browns that need digesting. If so then add a source of Nitrogen and maybe some water. |
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| Probably less than a week. Why don't you check it every day and then let us know how long it took? |
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- Posted by toxcrusadr 5 (My Page) on Mon, Dec 10, 12 at 11:13
| I wouldn't invest in more greens if it's getting that hot. There may be pockets of leaves that don't break down, but you can add your kitchen scraps over the winter, and they'll likely be gone by spring. Most of my compost is leaves/grass/kitchen scraps. The hot phase is exciting, but a lot of what makes organic matter into compost takes place on the long tail after that, so don't think nothing is happening just because it cools off. Happy composting! |
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