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Grittyville, WA

Some progress on "alternative method" pumpkin growing...

I have noticed in the past that a trash can or barrel of lawn clippings can heat up pretty well after sitting for a day. I wasnt sure this would be a useful source of heat for a greenhouse, but it does seem to be working. Presumably it depletes oxygen and adds C02. Not sure if this is a benefit or a detriment to the plants... roots do need oxygen just as much as the leaves need C02.

I just thought I'd post about it because its cool to have a viable alternative to electricity.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=330451

But of course my lawn mower is electric... Anyhow, it does seem to me that manure or lawn clippings could be a heat source.

I think electricity is probably better but I'm kinda pleasantly surprised and I may keep doing it this way...

5/8/2022 2:06:29 PM

Syracuse, NY

I'd just hope that it is not creating a torch of sorts with all the straw and stuff - just Food For thought; Think there was a turkey farm in NY whose unimaginably-huge manure pile caught fire and was on for many days; Hey! I have that same work light stand - Just never can find a use for it...nor ever throw it out, lol---eric g

5/8/2022 3:03:40 PM

Lodi, California

Leaves need oxygen too. They conduct cellular respiration just like we do

5/8/2022 8:33:11 PM

Grittyville, WA

Good points, both of you. Ive never had a self ignition happen but I know its technically possible. It is actuslly rather common in very large piles of organics, but what are the odds in small compost heaps?
Ashton, great point. I wonder how much CO2 acidifies the soil or the plant itself. Supposedly our own respiration is driven by some chemical feedback that measures Co2 the acidification of our blood, by the CO2.
Lastly there are places where CO2 can collect and knock you out before you sense the problem. But for practical purposes I think thats not a real concern, furthermore I assume compost wouldn't require a carbon monoxide detector? Which might be wise for propane or kerosene.
My apologies for my ongoing foolishness...!

5/8/2022 9:05:29 PM

Syracuse, NY

None needed, lol---It's keeping me young in some weigh---
It's one place where second place is good to be in, lol!!!
eg

5/9/2022 5:07:08 AM

Springfield, VT

Yes it works but old school using compost piles as heat. Books show in the past greenhouses in Europe used it and hot bed etc.

5/9/2022 8:36:16 AM

Grittyville, WA

Too cold tonight, didnt have time to add more barrels of compost, so now Im maxing out the amps on an extension cord instead. Lessons learned... More compost, but open both ends during the day.

5/10/2022 3:21:09 AM

Kutztown, PA

Speaking of extension cords, has anyone priced them lately - wow! I was able to pick up 4 12/3 75' cords at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $10. A great bargain! Adding them to what I already have, I told myself, "I'll probably never need to by another extension cord." Last week I decided to order 30 broilers to raise this spring. All my cords being tied up in the pumpkin patch, I had to buy a 100' cord to reach the brooder shed. LOL

5/10/2022 3:37:05 PM

Kutztown, PA

That "buy" another..................

5/10/2022 3:38:29 PM

Central Illinois

It can be much cheaper to buy 12awg outdoor wire and attach your own plug and outlets, it may not be to code but it works

5/11/2022 5:31:54 AM

Grittyville, WA

Yes extension cords are so expensive. I no longer worry about people stealing my tools... who cares about whats plugged into the end of it, just dont steal that cord!!!

5/11/2022 11:37:30 AM

Bethlehem CT

Not enough copper in the world for all the "green" energy and extension cords too.

5/11/2022 5:22:55 PM