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Garden

Old question I'm sure, but I didnt see anything.
I was getting ready to till in my compost pile today, and its still blistering hot inside. Should I leave it alone until the last day, or just go ahead and till it in now. I have my actual planting area already done, but the rest of the patch could wait maybe 1.5-2 weeks. Suggestions are appreciated, and thank you in advance.

David

4/27/2005 1:36:59 AM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

david i beleive i would wait maybe turn youre pile a few times more and let it finish working at least let it work up until the last minute you have to till it in,thats just my two cents worth hope it helps keith

4/27/2005 1:42:49 AM

Follansbee, Wv

Excellent advice Keith. The pile is hot because it's not done cooking. As Keith suggested, turn it a few more times.

4/27/2005 4:05:31 PM

Garden

Thanks again guys. Thats what I'll do!

David

4/27/2005 8:44:14 PM

Cologne / Germany

Spread it on the second half of the patch. The plant will need a couple of weeks to get there so your compost should be ready around that time.

4/28/2005 5:04:43 AM

Phoenix, AZ

Just from my experience, let it mature as long as possible. Keeps you from building up unwanted acids in the soil that will stunt plants.

5/5/2005 11:27:10 PM

Brighton, MI

you may also want to put some black strap molasses on the pile to speed up the process & stray your area with it again in the first month. if you can't find black strap any form dry or liquid will work. the sugars in the molasses add necessary bacterial to help break down the compast faster making it more digestable for the plants. Although in eary spring a little unfinished compost will heat up you soil, soil temp = better root growth. Just a though based on research earlier this year.

5/18/2005 3:50:54 PM