Thanks for the tip on methodology! I got some fresh manure from a local stable yesterday and used your method, except that I filled the bags full since the manure was not terribly wet -- literally fresh out of the stalls. I didn't have any problem lifting them and my car stayed clean. And smell-free.
Came home and added it to my existing compost-in-the-making as I turned the bins, stuck a thermometer down there and 24 hours later it's still cold as ever. What I started with was a mixture of soil, half-composted stuff, leaves, lots of kitchen greens and trimmings that haven't done anything but stay fresh during the last month of freezing weather, and a little straw.
I put three layers of manure in the bins, along with all the other stuff. Should I have added more? Are my expectations too high? How can I get this stuff cooking?
Loved the method with the plastic bags, however. Perfect for those of us who don't have pickups.
_________________ Kitty Old age needs wisdom and grace
|