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Hi all
broken fingers are just about mended, so nearly ready to graft again, have spent last few weeks doing a lot of reading, particularly compost making, has anyone used this hot compost method, in principal it seems an excellent way to get material to compost very quickly, it does take more effort and a large amount of compostable material, which I have access too, but if you can make good compost in 18 days rather than usual 6 months to a year, why are we all not doing it this way? what are the draw backs if there are any? and when would the best time in the year to start with this method?
ColinCI started using the Berkeley hot composting method last year. It certainly works very well. Upside of course is the speed with which it produces mulch/compost. The downsides are: (1) that you seem to need quite a lot of organic material to start off with; and (2) the main problem many people may have is that after an initial period you need to be consistent about turning it every few days.
I was using this method in Scotland up until about October, when the ambient temperature seemed to drop to a level to inhibit compost production. So I imagine Spring will be the time to give it another go, unless you’ve built an insulated bin – something which I have on my agenda.
Yes 18 day composting needs consistent input of time and materials, and the temperature in Britain is too low for four months or more – also in that time, there is little green material which helps provide heat.
I used to want faster compost but am happier now with 8-12 month old heaps, usually turned once. I think they have more fungi and life in them, whereas hot compost relies on bacteria and can be less full of other organisms.
The great thing is, everyone can make compost in the way that suits them best.
I just ask, as I will have a 1m * 1.5m area available to try this in about 4 weeks, as we finish using one batch of horse manure from last year.
I have a 1 metre cubed pile of horse manure which we gathered last November and has been happily rotting down for 4 or 5 months now, which would do as the manure as long as fresh stuff isn’t needed (which could be collected again).
Any knowledge on whether this matters or not??
Old post I know but I got compost most of the time because I never get enough material to make normal compost bins. One thing you can do is collect old coffee grinds from costa etc and use that so if the heap cools just tune and every 6″ put a bucket full of grind then a splash of water (repeat)
I set up another 3 bins just a week ago and even with the cold week we have had (highs of 5 lows of -6) it’s hasn’t affected the temp of the piles. If your ingredients are right you should be able to compost whenever
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