Compost is apperantly very good to put around your bamboo, and to mix in the soil. Im assuming that this should be done in spring?? or after the new shoots have grown in a bit.

But, im more interested in composting myself. Making the compost pile is easy. But I just have a few questions

1)Does it matter if the heap is in sun or shade?
2)what is the minumum temp that composting takes place?
3)I know the top should be covered, and it needs air. So there should be some air holes on the bottom or top?

Thanks

Sun is better because it will heat up more and break down faster.

I believe you need an internal temp (inside the pile) of 160F. Minimum temp? Do you mean ambient temp? Not sure. It's kinda like the ground -- it warms up slower than the air in the Spring, and cools down slower in the Fall.

You want as much airflow as possible through the sides at least. The top does not need to be covered. I've also heard that you want the pile to be in contact with the ground so earthworms and other organisms can get into it and help along the composting process.

Yes, there are actualy a lot of worms around here in the summer/spring. I just want to get it started ASAP, so I can get my fargesia ( in its second year), some compost after it shoots. And im geting 2 more bamboo... they need some soil love for theyre first summer lol

from what I hear, you should not compost protein like meat....... I personally am going to be cremated and have the ashes spread about my bamboo groves!

LOL hey hey now Thats a good idea .... im gonna put get my ashes to be poured into a corn feild, so people can eat me. LOL jk

Keep your compost moist...
I saw a show on TV where a guy cooked a ham in his compost heap at christmass with snow on the ground so I think once started outside temp doesn't matter to much with in reason.
MarCat

OK Marcat, I have eaten just about anything but compost ham???

ID eat ham any way its cooked LOL

Thanks for the tips... ill keep you posted on the progress:D

If I remember right it was a gardening show not Julia Child.
MarCat