Day 13

No temps today, I didn't feel like braving the snow.  This pic was taken from my kitchen window.  

 

Day 12

Ambient temp 47

Pile core temp 109

I decided to turn the pile today since the temp was down and I had the time and the weather was with me.  All looks well and things are breaking down nicely.

I think I shall join the Inland Empire Gardeners!!

Day 11

Ambient temp 49

Pile core temp 126

Still cold and rainy here but the pile is doing fine.  Looks to be on track for a turn this weekend.

Day 10

Ambient temp 42

Pile core temp 136

More rain.  The pile smells good.

please leave a comment or just your name - I would like to see how many people I am reaching.

Thanks!

Day 9

Ambient temp 49

Pile core temp 136

Too rainy today to observe much else.  Stay tuned!!

 

Day 8

Ambient temp 47

Pile core temp 112

All of the workers in the pile need moisture and oxygen to survive.  As the temp drops, it tells us that the organisms working in the pile are dying.  A product of their work is heat, this is why take the temp daily to keep track of our workers and keep them well fed.

When a pile has an ammonia odor to it, this indicates too much nitrogen (greens: grass) in the pile and more carbon (browns: dried leaves) needs to be added.  As you work with the compost you get a "feel" for what it needs.

For Spokane area readers, the Spring Compost Fair is this Saturday, April 30th : 11 - 2 
at Finch Arboretum

Master Composters/Recyclers will be available to answer all your questions and you can receive a FREE compost bin!  Please come with all your questions about compost, vermicomposting and recycling!

Day 7

 The first turning of the pile

Ambient temp 47

Pile core temp 113

I was going to add some video today but hubby was building a sandbox close by and it was a bit noisy.

In this photo you can see some Actinomycetes - the light grey/white stuff.  These are not mold but have been described as "half-breed organisms" - part bacteria, part fungus - these operate at medium temps.  These are a very good sign.

With a hot pile, you will not see worms, they tend to head for cooler temps when piles hit the 70's range.

Here is the pile, mid turn.

And the pile, turned.  I did add water as I turned and stirred it up.  Hot piles should be wet enough to feel like a wrung out sponge. 

(I love excuses to get my hands in the earth)

Day 6

Ambient temp 39

Pile core temp 136

If anyone has any questions on composting, I am willing to help.  I also do vermicomposting (worms) - red wigglers eat kitchen scraps and leave great compost.

Day 5

Ambient temp 39

Pile core temp 142

Looks like Saturday will be a good day to turn the pile.  I will take photos during the turn and show you some special goodness going on in there.

Day 4

Ambient temp - 44

Pile core temp - 144

I nearly burned my hand putting the thermometer in the pile.  M.P. will be happy with some very nice compost tea very soon.

How does one make compost tea, you ask?  Very simple:

• add one shovel full of compost to about 4 gallons of water, stir
• next, add one ounce molasses, stir
• insert an aquarium air bubbler (hooked to a pump, of course)
• let this sit and bubble for three days
• strain your tea - (if you are using it in a sprayer, make sure you strain it completely so you don't clog your sprayer)
• spray your plants and watch them grow!
• If you aren't going to use all of your tea you must feed it again with molasses every three days with the bubbler going

Day 3

Ambient temp 44, pile core temp-----a perfect 138!!!

This tells me that the carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30:1 is right on and a perfect combo for a hot pile.

In the pic below, the fuzzy white that you see is steam coming off the pile.

Gotta love nature!  Go God!!

Day 2

Ambient temp was 39, pile core temp was 98.

Starting the pile

Today I was blessed with seven bags of yard waste from my brother-in-law, Mark P.  He even delivered!  I have taken these bags of goodies and started a compost pile and have decided to follow the pile via this blog.  I will write, long or short, daily with photos as necessary.  I will show progress with daily temps and any other observations.  

The "Prothero Pile" stands about three feet tall, three feet deep and four feet wide.

Here is the pile after the build.  It consists of brown and green grass, dead leaves, pine needles, a few pine cones and some dead shrub material. 

It smells really good.

The space to the right of the pile is where I will turn it to, then back to where it is as needed.  I haven't taken a temp yet because I know it is cold from the water.

So, join me in a fun but entirely weird journey to some highly coveted black gold!

This has nothing to do with the pile - just a fun thing in my yard.