Today if we look around, we can see that composting is catching up as many people are participating in this eco-friendly habit. You can choose from various types that include hot composting, cold composting, and worm composting. Composting has a lot of advantages, not just to the gardens and our planet but, also to the future generation. What increases the advantages of composting? Can we tap on the heat source of compost?
Is it possible to warm the greenhouse by just using compost? I’m glad to say the answer is yes, you can now heat a greenhouse by using compost and this has been since the 1980s. Keep reading as we will discuss about compost heat for the greenhouse.
Compost heat for greenhouse
The NAI in Massachusetts years ago, had an amazing thought of utilizing compost in generating heat for greenhouses. The prototype was a 700 sq ft plot where they carefully noted down the results. This experiment started in 1983 and concluded in 1989 with amazing results. They found out that compost when used in greenhouses as an important heat source was extremely risky because, composting is a science and art. The major issue, they were facing was the level of nitrogen and carbon dioxide that was being produced. The level of heat that was provided by the compost was insufficient to conclude it to be output. It also includes the high cost of getting equipment that is specialized for this type of composting. Also recorded nitrate levels to be extremely high and weren’t safe for the production of seasonal greens.
By the end of 1989, they revamped the system and were able to resolve many challenges. By now they were able to successfully utilize compost heat for the greenhouse. Today home gardeners can utilize compost heating to heat their greenhouse and it is an extremely simple process.
If you plan to use this system for your greenhouse you can simply utilize your current composting bins to heat a certain area. You can also use trench composting that will allow you to stagger plantings and maintain the heat levels throughout winter.
If you want to build your own compost bin you can do so, by simply using a wooden box, and to empty barrels. Follow the below instructions and make your bin.
- Keep two battles a few feet apart from each other in the greenhouse. The top of the barrel must be closed. Place the metal wired bench across both the barrels offering support to the ends.
- The space that you have maintained between both the barrels, is specifically for your compost. Keep the wooden box in between the barrels filling it with compostable materials. Maintain a ratio of 1 part green and 2 parts browns.
- Flip the plant above the wired bench. When the compose begins to break down it tends to release heat. Make sure you get a compost thermometer to monitor this heat.
Well, these are just the basics that will help you to utilize your compost like a source of heat for the greenhouse. To implement it in your greenhouse, you would not need to hire a handyperson either.
I do hope that these few tips will channel the heat from your compost to heat your greenhouse. Do let us know how it works out for you. All the best guys!