I was finishing off this years leaf compost and snapped some pics..:noidea:

I am just starting next years with leaves falling....

This 4x6x6 double shredded pile was started january 2009...It was finished that fall and double shredded last march for use next year....


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost002.jpg


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost004.jpg

Good chit


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost003.jpg


This is pile started january 2010...Original holder is 20 foot length of fencing in circle 4 feet high and refilled 3-4 times in first month of cooking....If i would just fill it up,by the time it settles in a week i would have 1/2 the end product...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost005.jpg

As you can see not quite finished...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost006.jpg


Here it is unwraped for turning and adding of alfalfa meal

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost014.jpg

Alfalfa meal provides nitrogen(heat) to break down carbon(leaves) much quicker....



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost007.jpg


I just do a light layer of meal every 2-3 inches...

Fluffed and into fence container
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost017.jpg


Layer of alfalfa
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost015.jpg

All done on a nice afternoon....Took 2 hours and 3 beeres..


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost020.jpg

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost021.jpg

Helper

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost019.jpg

This should heat to 120 or so in a few days...When i first start its not uncommon for pile to cruise at 150-160 degree for a month..

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost023.jpg


BEER-O-CLOCK

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/deercompost018.jpg

Next weeks project...Dropping and cutting up this big white oak(center of picture) that died this spring along garden border...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/fire008.jpg

I love the visits to Alex's little slice of heaven up there. Thanks for the compost info.:thumb:

I don't know shit about composting (heh) but speaking of that--- would not a bushel or so of the horse's output be more efficient than it's input?

Very Cool!..... I have a lot to learn on gardening.... I'm glad we got the Botanists here to help me with my new Ranch & Garden area... (1/2 acre :lol:)

Cool stuff there Alex...That alfalfa is the good shit fer sure...ya wanna watch those temps because over 160 will kill the bacteria that makes it all work...Kinda crazy that their own overactivity is what will kill em...Keepin the C/N ratio in check is what makes it work........But you know all that...poi-nts

I don't know shit about composting (heh) but speaking of that--- would not a bushel or so of the horse's output be more efficient than it's input?

I just stick with the leaf rich...They pump these horses full of anti-biotics and alot of debate on that being in final product etc...I am not against animal pooh...I just have an abundance of leaves and my soil is built up to point that the leaf compost is all i need....Also,I like pure leaf with the nitrogen mixed in so i am not having to turn alot...Animal shit can burn threw the heat quicker and need turning replacing...When i have composted animal crap it's usually in its own pile....My neighbor has rabbits and he loves that composted wabbit crap in moderation..They have to watch the horse shit piles at the horse farm...Left alone they can burst into flames etc..

Cool stuff there Alex...That alfalfa is the good shit fer sure...ya wanna watch those temps because over 160 will kill the bacteria that makes it all work...Kinda crazy that their own overactivity is what will kill em...Keepin the C/N ratio in check is what makes it work........But you know all that...poi-nts

Yeah...Craig...I go real light on alfalfa when starting piles...I can keep it about 150 degree on average for a month and usually turn and add water at 3 month point...I have measured a fresh shredded pile at 135 degree with nothing added...I do get a longer heat with alfalfa...Just have to watch how much...

You make excellent(as usual) point for the folks that dont do this much ....160 degree and above you start adversly effecting the good microbes and/or you enter a new therma profile of bacteria that kill good stuff...

I agree that the addition of manure isnt necessary...the risks outweigh the benefits...And there is very little difference, nutrient wise, between well made compost and composted animal manure...other than the fact of manure being too high in nitrogen if not "fully composted" which can burn tender young plants and adversly affect crop production throughout the season...Sticking with a program of composting gives much better controll of what youre adding to your soil...But you know that...:thumb:

Well, learn somethin' new every day. I DID know about some manures being very "hot" and waay high in nitrogen. Sure seen enough piles of the stuff aging so it could be used on the fields.

Well, learn somethin' new every day. I DID know about some manures being very "hot" and waay high in nitrogen. Sure seen enough piles of the stuff aging so it could be used on the fields.

And when properly aged/composted it is still recomended to wait a month or so after tilling into the soil before planting.

I agree that the addition of manure isnt necessary...the risks outweigh the benefits...And there is very little difference, nutrient wise, between well made compost and composted animal manure...other than the fact of manure being too high in nitrogen if not "fully composted" which can burn tender young plants and adversly affect crop production throughout the season...Sticking with a program of composting gives much better controll of what youre adding to your soil...But you know that...:thumb:

I agree 100%...I think from our other discussions over years we are in agreement....Some folk ask why my piles are 16 months plus old before using...I like to age them a bit,but i also like to stay ahead so i aint in a rush to make compost etc...10 years ago my older brother and i grew a BIG garden and we needed 5 of these piles to keep up....Sure dont miss that work for a hobby(compost etc..)

Well, learn somethin' new every day. I DID know about some manures being very "hot" and waay high in nitrogen. Sure seen enough piles of the stuff aging so it could be used on the fields.

In a big operation the manure is spread out much thinner on average etc.Another friend of mines has 100 acres and they spread the manure fresh from stalls on fields that the arabian ponies will be transfered too in 3 year intervals(the chit has 3 years or so to breakdown and feed orchard grass)..aint killed them in 80 plus years etc....My grandfather had 2000 acres and rotated crops with fields grazed(chit upon by cattle and some using mechanical manure spreader) and then cover cropped and then planted the 3rd year etc...

In an intensive gardening plot like mine(200x100 foot)...I worry more about overkill and introducing anything beyond what i need etc...I can definetly say i am 100% organic....Not that i need the certificate my buddy gives out once a farm/plot reaches that certification level....:thumb:

Well... Well... well...Since I'm the Village Idiot & have gotten on the compost gig! Thanks to you Eugene! My lil wired up mess is doing right nice!...Ohh...time fer a shot of Jack! :noidea: Ya'll really need ta get on this!

Here is a "thrilling" update.....

Had some heavy rain mid-week and covered pile...This tends to slow re-heat,but i am fine with this pile finishing nice and easy....

98 degree...Just about active again...She will prolly cruise 110-120 degree for a few months....


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost009.jpg


Todays project(i dint cut down white oak as my friend has the 3 foot bar for my chainsaw...next weeks project)....60 bags of shredded leaves from neighbors who use riding mowers with leaf collecting attachment



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost001.jpg


this is a 20 foot in length x 4 foot tall cage with landscape cloth to keep leaves in(it breathes etc..not plastic)


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost003.jpg

I do 3 bags and light layer of alfalfa meal...





http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost004.jpg



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost005.jpg



Taking a break and this preying mantis climbed up me leg and was headed for me JUNK....:whistle: she has prolly made egg coccoon and about ready to die...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost006.jpg


All done 60 bags later and 2 hours...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost007.jpg


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost008.jpg



She will prolly be 140-160 degree next saturday for a month and then cruise 100-140 degree 3 months and then i will turn,add water and more alfalfa


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost010.jpg

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost012.jpg


I am basically doing what a forest floor does,but quicker...I also have veggie scrap and garden scrap piles i grow earthworms in to add to finished piles...


Beautiful day and the big oaks have lost about half dere junk so far...


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost011.jpg


One day i might just put lime stripes down cover cropped garden and get a football game together on that lush carpet....:thumb:

I'll bet that cockeyed cat likes the warmth of the compost heap....:whistle:

I always like seeing the pile after a snowstorm...no snow on it...steam rising through the air...:thumb:

I always like seeing the pile after a snowstorm...no snow on it...steam rising through the air...:thumb:

yeah man....the pile i keep for my shredded mulch for landscaped plants was steaming thursday when it was 33 degree in morning......

Had 2 foot of snow plus last winter and that pile was clean on top(2010 gardencompost pile)...Guess its the little things....:thumb:

I love shit that steams :thumb: :thumb: ..... Can't wait to join you boys..... 29 days and counting..... :thumb:

I love shit that steams :thumb: :thumb: ..... Can't wait to join you boys..... 29 days and counting..... :thumb:

You lucky bassards!! I wanna go too!!

I love the visits to Alex's little slice of heaven up there. Thanks for the compost info.:thumb:

Me, too, Keith! Alex, you're such a great gardener!

What the heck....New pile is cruising since tuesday morning(was built saturday)...

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/compost005-1.jpg

Have to top her off soon....shrinking nicely....

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/compost004-1.jpg

Nice Work Armando! :thumb:

He hee....gonna run the leaf sweeper tamorrow...shred & top off...me lil bin.

you've got that down to a real science :thumb:

But I can't be the only one feeling you should be able to use that heat for something.
Dunno, maybe put a little greenhouse down there and pipe the heat in from the heaps over winter: all year round peppers !

Or use it to dry out herbs, jerky etc.
gotta be something lol

you've got that down to a real science :thumb:

But I can't be the only one feeling you should be able to use that heat for something.
Dunno, maybe put a little greenhouse down there and pipe the heat in from the heaps over winter: all year round peppers !

Or use it to dry out herbs, jerky etc.
gotta be something lol

Honestly...Been thinking about slow cooking in it....or something....

3 weeks in on new pile....Average temp out is 30 degree last week with wind chill around 15 degree....



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost.jpg


steady as it goes

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost002-1.jpg

Topped her off after this picture for third time...I have 92 bags of shredded leaves in her so far

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lcompost003-1.jpg

Well...I have some paint drying to watch....

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/Whoa_Man506.jpg

looks like a hillbilly hot tub. :lol:

Wow! That is awesome Alex. I have chickens so I use their doodie mixed in with my small little compost bin. Nothing as awesome as yours. This is a very inspiring thread. Thanks!:banana_smiley:

Man...That is something!...Gonna work on a bigger bin...Louie likes this little one...Oak leaves are piling up to be shredded...

Man...That is something!...Gonna work on a bigger bin...Louie likes this little one...Oak leaves are piling up to be shredded...

The 20 foot length by 4 foot high in circle is optimal size pile for a steady cook Mike...The outter edges is about 125-130 degree in this cold and wind...

This pile would look much bigger standing next to it,but my camera doesnt do perspective very well....I should not have to turn and add water for 2-3 months even in these winter conditions....

YOU CAN make compost much faster turning frequently etc...I am in it TO WIN IT over long term etc...I need mucho compost and i dont like to play much with it.........:thumb:

Way I see it...very little work & the reward it gives Rocks!...I do appreciate ya educating me on it!

Dang Alex... that's pretty amazing. You really know yer shit bro... I am impressified!! :thumb: :thumb:

Dang Alex... that's pretty amazing. You really know yer shit bro... I am impressified!! :thumb: :thumb:

NOBODY talks shit like ALX :lol:

(Sorry.. it was too damned easy to pass up)

NOBODY talks shit like ALX :lol:

(Sorry.. it was too damned easy to pass up)

Yep...Full of chit...:thumb::banana_smiley::whistle:

Way to go, Alx! :thumb:

looks like a hillbilly hot tub. :lol:

:lol::lol:

NOBODY talks shit like ALX :lol:

(Sorry.. it was too damned easy to pass up)

:lol::lol:

Great thread. My tumbler is just kinda sitting there full of half started compost, then the cold hit (and I quit rolling it), so now not much activity me thinks.

38 days in on the fresh burn..........have 110 shredded bags in her..

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/celery005.jpg

January 2010 pile is about done...She ran in active zone a good bit and is finished....Prolly wont need till 2012,but thinkin of doing a huge batch garlic-n-onion if price is right...:whistle::drooling:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/celery009.jpg


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/celery006.jpg


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lamb006-2.jpg

Well... Well... well...Since I'm the Village Idiot & have gotten on the compost gig! Thanks to you Eugene! My lil wired up mess is doing right nice!...Ohh...time fer a shot of Jack! :noidea: Ya'll really need ta get on this!

you don't need compost down there. just save a 12pk & ask a shrimper for a bag of cull.:thumb::thumb:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/lamb006-2.jpg

thats a beautiful ulu.:thumb:

Chit..Negro...Get your own...:thumb: Had to kill an eskimo/one your folk for it...Laughed my ass off too .:thumb:...Real deal...Not some b.s. internet crap....:thumb:

mine is from grandma- a 1920 born true alaskan native(keekachoo) made of whale ivory-circa 1920's. i'll see if mom will actually take a pic before she brings it up to me,along w/ my baby mukluks,,,,:thumb:
my mom's side started from norway to alaska around 1827 & my grandparents went to "the lower "48" around 1953.... oh we got history there....
in fact my mom was born ther in '50- still a territory- passed the homesteasd to me..

i know a good ulu & a decorative ulu when i see 'em... i didn't call you out... yet....(jk).

I just goofing ROB...I never killed an ESKIMO.....:whistle:

MEGA UPDATE........


Looking at me notes i did turn her january 15th......Didnt want too much compaction and that tends happen with fresh leaves.....

Here she is today steady 120-135 degree almost 4 months without turn.....Pile is 114 degree foot off ground......We goin racin louie....

I will post pics when i turn next week.....:whistle: She breakin down like OPRAH at a buffet table.....:thumb:


http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/compost001-3.jpg



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/compost002-3.jpg



http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt85/69alex/1Randy-Savage.jpg

Very nice Alex, that's gonna be some mighty fine dirt :thumb:
Just finished moving my pile from last year, planting tomatoes where the pile sat and will use that for next years garden.
Now I can finally get my plants in the ground :faint:

Keep jackin Elrod! :nana2: Hot ain't got no rain/humidity low/hot...Chit burnin up...got the sprinkler's hard at it...weez on well water & gotz plenty...Reckon it time fo a seaweed bloom..gonna get a mess & water down seperate...gettin there Elrod! :sweating:

She breakin down like OPRAH at a buffet table.....:thumb:

:lol::lol::lol: