From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Lodi, California

hi all! i have a roughly 10 by 10 by 10 pile of leaves. I think im going to add a truckload of manure and a truckload of grass clippings if i can get them. i have to have compost ready in 4 months. i also have to manully mix it because i dont have any machenery. can i make it in 4 months?

12/2/2012 3:43:21 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

If the pile stays hot and you keep adding nitrogen...yes

12/2/2012 5:25:37 PM

San Antonio, tx

You gotta turn and let it get hot then repeat the process over and over again. Also there has been cases of large piles combusting so watch it and know the difference between steam and smoke. 4 months isn't unheard of

12/2/2012 5:41:16 PM

Hinckley MN

I would make 4 piles out of the leaves and manure. after about 3 weeks, I'd turn and combine piles, adding layers of grass clippings to make 2 piles. After another 3 weeks, turn and combine into 1 pile. After 3 weeks turn and repile your compost. The biggest reason to compost is to kill weed seeds and fungal spores and that only happens if the pile gets over 150 degrees F. If the center of the pile doesn't get that hot after each turn, then you'd be better off just tilling the leaves into the soil and saving all the work turning piles.

12/2/2012 6:50:54 PM