compost update

The compost in its new location is doing very well. I use the loader on the Kubota to turn and aerate the compost. In the above picture you can see the steam rolling off of the pile as I stir it. The compost should be about 150 degrees in the center of the pile. The Pallets we use allow us to stack the manure and garden debris in at least a 3'x3' heap. If a compost pile is much smaller it is difficult to reach hot enough temperatures for a long enough time to kill weed seeds and disease. The compost to the right is ready for the garden. When I stir the finished compost there is very little heat, it has an earthy smell and the compost is a good crumbly texture, I need to cover it from leaching, winter rains.