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I've thought about using cold frames to start seeds in the late winter and early spring. If the temperatures are in the 30's during the day and even cooler at night, how can you keep them warm enough to sprout the seeds?

outdoors joe, my granddad used to use manure,the heat given off by the manure kept it warm enough at night. russ

I think steer manure would do the best for that. Home improvement and even some hardware stores will sell it in 50 lb bags. watch out for the smell though

My neighbor has cows. Does it matter if the manure is fresh or should it be old? I'm sure my neighbor would let me get all I want to out of this field.

outdoors Joe said:

My neighbor has cows. Does it matter if the manure is fresh or should it be old?

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Old is best....
KennyV

I thought that might be the case. Sure will be good to get it free rather than to pay for it. Is there anything else I should know before using it? Do you just put it around the cold frame? How about putting it under them?

Get a lot and incorporate your lawn clippings and anything else you have to add and compost, you will end up with very good soil :smile:KennyV

I'll do that. I've always wanted to make my own compost and this is a great time to start. We have plenty of leaves. Don't they make good compost, too?

Almost all vegetable matter added with your neighbors cows input:wink: will make GREAT compost... :smile:KennyV

Thanks everyone! I think my neighbor's cow field might end up being the cleanest one around these parts. LOL! Does the manure need to be old when I put it on the compost pile?

outdoors Joe said:

Does the manure need to be old when I put it on the compost pile?

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No the methane and nitrogen that would accompany it will help speed up the composting...
What ever you compost this year should be ready to use NEXT year:thumbsup:...
Everything will come out smelling like a rose with this... AND the neighbors cows will not have to watch out for where they step:biggrin:
:smile:KennyV

I always use the older cow manure. You're lucky to have so much so close by. It will be a lot of work collecting it, but it will be worth the effort.

stanley said:

I think steer manure would do the best for that. Home improvement and even some hardware stores will sell it in 50 lb bags. watch out for the smell though

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You need fresh s__t as hardware manure has been processed, similar to milk being pasteurized.

It depends on who you talk which manure is the best. Sheep manure tends to have fewer seeds in it,
chicken manure has lots of nitrogen in it and is hot.

Leaves do not create a lot of heat yet they will self ignite. Placing them on top of the manure as insulation will slow the heat transfer.

Start your seeds inside better control of watering etc. Set them out in the cold frame after the last killing frost. If it is going to be cold overnight, approaching freezing, cover the frames with blankets or tarps.

Direction the cold frame should face depends on who you talk to, most are in agreement that they should be protected from the wind. Cold frames that face south are capable of cooking the plants they are supposed to protect.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour.

John
In school you get an education, the learn' comes later.