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John W
Lv 7
John W asked in EnvironmentGreen Living · 9 years ago

Compost piles in green houses?

A compost pile produces heat. If you were to put compost piles inside a greenhouse to help keep it warm through the winter, how would you estimate how large of a compost pile would be needed? What's the heat output of a compost pile?

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Compost will generate 120°F to 160°F but it doesn't last forever. Control is a problem.

    To make it through a winter it will need to be rotated. It may be best to break it up into sections. That way some will be hot while elsewhere it cools. The process may also generate a fair bit of humidity.

    One way is to use raised beds. Pile the organic matter next to the beds and then replace as needed.

    The method I use is to place planters directly on top of my compost pile. I simple move them out of the way while adding fresh material to the pile. Come spring, I have the seedlings well established and the compost underneath is ready to mix into the garden soil.

  • 9 years ago

    Layers of wood chips and manure in the compost pile ... to a green/hoop house, thus shortening the lines and making the structural supporting ...

    Source(s): www.glass.com
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