CG>A well-stocked outdoor composter generates enough heat to kill
CG>seeds in the interior.
CG>I remember many a cool morning seeing the steam towering up from
CG>a compost pile. I would think that adding manure would boost the
CG>decomposition and heat generation tremendously.
  Hi Chris - there is a minimum size for a winter compost heap in our
  climate. I think it's about 4 foot square. Moreover, it has to be
  built all at once in such a fashion that it warms up quickly. Building
  one in extremely cold weather outdoors w/o serious protection will
  ensure that you'll have a frozen, undigested mess come early spring.
  When farmers clean out manure, they not only do quantity, but the
  bedding is generally warm from beginning decomposition under warm
  animal bodies. Moreover, there usually is sufficient carboniferous
  materials to capture and balance the nitrogen-rich urine, as well
  as manure; so that a manure heap begins warm, then heats afterwards,
  no matter what the weather.
  Just trying to wade through an extremely detailed book of treatises
  on Permaculture, by Bill Mollison. It's heavy wading, but I've picked
  up a few good hints. I think I'll get the less academic books,
  Permaculture 1 and 2 if my library has them. They're less theory, more
  action. And easier to read! :-)
                      ...Sandra...
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 * QMPro 1.52 * Jeffery Dahmer - Just another eating disorder victim.
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