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Rocky-r@stny.rr.com

I turned my pile for the 3rd time this offseason. I notice how darker and more soil like it gets every turn, but still alot of pine shavings. It will take time. I put more molasses on it yesterday after the turn. I have waited until the weather is warmer than it has been to turn it, usually around 40-45 degrees this time of year. Lots of heat from the middle so it is working, just hoping it continues to burn away.

Anyone else turning their pile by hand this cold offseason?

12/25/2007 10:59:37 PM

Nicholls Georgia

i do

12/26/2007 2:33:27 PM

Johnston, R.I.

Rocky I am glad you posted this, you shamed me into turning mine today. I knew it needed to be turned but I just couldn't find the way to the back yard.

12/26/2007 2:39:32 PM

Ohio

Rock, I just came inside from turning mine, I never got to it quick enough to turn it when there was still a little heat left in it, its completely cold now, I gotta get it fired back up but I'm out of molasses,gotta go get some soon before the weather gets below freezing to get her going again. Its hard to get a freezing pile started back up as you probably know,lol.

12/26/2007 4:21:54 PM

Rocky-r@stny.rr.com

Yeah, I hope the heat stays all offseason Brooks! I am amazed that with the temps dipping down into the single digits and even below freezing wind chill temps a pile can sustain the heat internally. A great sight to see steam come billowing out of the middle on the first or second shovel full!

Norm, glad I could be the one to "shame" you into turning the pile! I suck it up to go out and do it, that is for sure! It takes alot to get outside and do the work in December, and will be even harder in January! Get er done!

12/27/2007 10:29:56 PM

southwest MO

I have a $200 bucket scoop I got at tractor supply company on the 3 point of my tractor. The poor mans front end loader I call it. It can't do even close to what a front end loader can do but it will roll a compost pile around. I can get about 1/4- 1/3 yard in it if the material holds together well. Plenty of work to do around my place with out wearing my back out with a pitch fork!!

12/27/2007 11:39:23 PM