Using Cold Frames For Starting Seeds

[KennyV]

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

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

 

[patches]

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.

 

[jcobo]

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

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.