Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Help! I am in the middle of my project. I fear that the extreme drop in outdoor temperature will affect the outcome of my composting project. What should I do? Move it indoors (smelly) or just leave it as is?

Hi kangair,

I would leave your project outside and let it continue running. In your discussion or conclusion section, you can talk about the cold temperatures and discuss how they may have influenced the results of your experiment. Remember - even if an experiment doesn't turn out the way you want it to, the project hasn't "failed"!

Hi,

How cold is it where your pile is? How large is it and what did you use to make it? A properly made compost pile should generate its own heat from the bacterial decomposition going on. Have you measured the temperature inside your pile? It should be 20 to 40C hotter than the surrounding air. On below-freezing mornings I have seen steam coming off my compost pile when it is really cooking.

You can insulate your pile by raking dry leaves over it to a depth of 10 cm or so then check the temperature again. Don't forget to turn it once a week and make sure it is damp but not wet: http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com/t ... mpost.html

If you have more questions, please ask us.

Good luck!

Sybee

Thanks so much for the ideas! I did leave it in the same spot and will do as you said and just see what the results are.
I used the directions on science buddies to build the barrel. I have hay, cow manure, soil, potato peelings and added some of the soil out of our chicken coop. I can see the temperature increasing and as another post said, when we open the barrel steam is coming out. I think the change in temperature could put a good spin on whether it would be good to use as a way to heat water in the winter opposed to the summer? Maybe I can continue this into next years project too.

You're welcome! It sounds like you have a great project going. Chicken manure is an especially rich compost ingredient so your pile should really heat up!

I have been composting vegie scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, leaves etc for over 20 years and it is a totally satisfying way of using kitchen and yard waste that would otherwise be thrown out. Every spring i take the resulting black, earthworm-filled compost and scatter it on the vegie garden and i never have to use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. I hope you continue to explore the sustainable methods of living and do keep us posted on how your pile is progressing.

Best wishes,

Sybee