Hi there, Mara. Thank you.... Yes, compost gets nice and toasty if made right. In the winter, it's nice being around a warm compost pile. I might be be able to cook hardboiled eggs!
I started out making compost under a tree and in the corner of the yard. No wonder I had problems! The other thing that I didn't mention in the video (I'll try to remember for next time) is that super-strong wire mesh seemed like a good idea, but when it came to turning the compost, the pitchfork poked through. What a hassle. So the photos you see inside the compost bin are from our bins. And the person turning the compost, is your truly. It's the real deal. Thanks for commenting!
Amazing! Great video! I tried composting years ago, I stopped because it drew rats into my basement. Wish I had had your help years ago. God bless and thank you!
I wanted to keep my compost close to the house so I could easily take scraps out and add in the winter time but when the rats came into the basement the composting ended. However, the black raspberries growing where it used to be are 3 times bigger than the other ones around them.
Hi Georgette, as with mold in an old house or on plants in a greenhouse; dry materials such as vermiculite or potting mixes (most are peat-based) I think it's a good idea to be aware of airborne materials. That said, our compost piles are uniformly moist so it's not a concern. I am, however, conscious of methane and other gases that "arise" when I'm turning a hot pile and hold my breath then. I hope this helps...☺
How do you provide air to you compost bins if the boards are close together? Drill lots of holes?? We are soon to rebuild our bins and looking for the best setup!
We thought about the air situation, too. But when I turn it often enough, say, every 3 days or so for the first couple weeks of a 6-week hot compost pile, it's a non issue. Air circulation, or having enough air, for the microbes to do their thing, really requires first the addition of leaves, straw, and other carbon-based materials as you make it... WHICH, is all at one time. Does that make sense?
Hi Cathy... well, our first clue is the appearance of holes and tunnels in the compost pile. If I suspect a rat, (smell a rat? Sorry!) I place a bit of fruit or something like that near one of the holes to see if someone's home...
These tips make a lot of good sense Marion. Nice video.
Thanks, Oliver. And of course, I featured your Dad's excellent handiwork in the pictures of the bins. 🥰
Hi 👋 Marion, Amazing that compost piles get so warm. Lots of great info.
Hi there, Mara. Thank you.... Yes, compost gets nice and toasty if made right. In the winter, it's nice being around a warm compost pile. I might be be able to cook hardboiled eggs!
Excellent video! I hadn't even considered this problem, and my compost bins are in the woods in wire cages!
I started out making compost under a tree and in the corner of the yard. No wonder I had problems! The other thing that I didn't mention in the video (I'll try to remember for next time) is that super-strong wire mesh seemed like a good idea, but when it came to turning the compost, the pitchfork poked through. What a hassle. So the photos you see inside the compost bin are from our bins. And the person turning the compost, is your truly. It's the real deal. Thanks for commenting!
Amazing! Great video! I tried composting years ago, I stopped because it drew rats into my basement. Wish I had had your help years ago. God bless and thank you!
God bless you, too Colleen! And happy gardening!
Wonderful very nicely n clearly explained.
Thank 🙏
Thank you kindly and I'm glad it was helpful. Blessings to you 🙂
This is fantastic
Hi... I'm really glad you found it helpful. Happy composting and have a great rest of your week! 💚
You are amazing
I wanted to keep my compost close to the house so I could easily take scraps out and add in the winter time but when the rats came into the basement the composting ended. However, the black raspberries growing where it used to be are 3 times bigger than the other ones around them.
Well... interesting trade-off. I bet the black raspberries make excellent jam!
Hi Marion, are the particles in the air while turning compost bad for us to inhale? I feel like i have to hold my breath while turning.
Hi Georgette, as with mold in an old house or on plants in a greenhouse; dry materials such as vermiculite or potting mixes (most are peat-based) I think it's a good idea to be aware of airborne materials. That said, our compost piles are uniformly moist so it's not a concern. I am, however, conscious of methane and other gases that "arise" when I'm turning a hot pile and hold my breath then. I hope this helps...☺
How do you provide air to you compost bins if the boards are close together? Drill lots of holes?? We are soon to rebuild our bins and looking for the best setup!
We thought about the air situation, too. But when I turn it often enough, say, every 3 days or so for the first couple weeks of a 6-week hot compost pile, it's a non issue. Air circulation, or having enough air, for the microbes to do their thing, really requires first the addition of leaves, straw, and other carbon-based materials as you make it... WHICH, is all at one time. Does that make sense?
Great advice on 💩 compost
Thanks for letting me know -- I love making compost - would rather do that than shop for clothes!
OMG I HATE RATS!!!!! How do I know if I have rats in my compose?
Hi Cathy... well, our first clue is the appearance of holes and tunnels in the compost pile. If I suspect a rat, (smell a rat? Sorry!) I place a bit of fruit or something like that near one of the holes to see if someone's home...