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NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

This is my first year for a compost pile. This morning I noticed that there are a lot of little red ants in the pile. Is this normal? Should I try to get rid of them? Oh BTW, the middle of the pile is still cold. When will it heat up?

5/11/2005 8:38:38 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

You need to add some grass clippings, or fresh manure

5/11/2005 9:05:53 AM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Thanks now I am working on getting the lawnmowers started. I can't seem to figure out what is wrong with them. Just know they wont start. Anything else that I can add to it along with the grassclippings and manure (if I ever find any)?

5/11/2005 10:03:47 AM

Phoenix, AZ

Coffee grounds are great for N, which will heat up the pile. Just put some on my cold pile and that area was already heating up 24 hrs later.

Go find the nearest Starbucks.

Ben

5/11/2005 10:05:28 AM

Montoursville, PA

Turn the pile as often as possible. Once a week is ideal. Could be you just need oxygen, in the pile.

PS...I don't know anyone who turns once a week if the pile is, of great magnitude. Turn as frequently as you can.

It has been dry here. Keep your pile moist at all times. Could be dried out.

The minimun size pile that works, for me, is about five feet by five feet by three feet deep.

5/11/2005 12:27:07 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Learn something new everyday. are there any thing else that I could add besides grass and manure and coffee to speed it up?

5/11/2005 4:58:11 PM

Follansbee, Wv

You can add alfalfa pellets to it as well. Don't use the cubes, they take too long to dissolve. Make sure the pile is moist enough, and you will see the pellets dissolving in a few hours. You can also add any green vegetable waste, such as what the supermarket throws out if it has gone over.

5/11/2005 8:39:14 PM

Montoursville, PA

Give it a dose of black strap molasses.

5/11/2005 8:44:08 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

I guess it will take a while to get going. There are not too much table scraps, coffee etc only our own. Will try though. And I do have black strap molasses. Only one thing, will it attract ants??? Don't need any more around there are already red ants in the compost pile.

5/11/2005 9:09:35 PM