compost pile

[r0GuE]

Is it best to put a compost lile in the shade or in the sun. I was thinking perhaps shade so that it would remain moist longer. But sun would add heat. I dunno.
Also, are wood chips and old bark mulch ok for a compost pile that will be used in a garden. I was afraid maybe they treat the bark mulch with something. Any ideas?

Rogue

 

[Boondox]

Best approach is in the sun with regular applications of moisture. Won't need to worry much about drying if you use one of those plastic mulch barrels. As for the bark question, you want a fairly even mix of carbonaceous and nitrogenous waste to aid the little critters in their growth and pursuit of happiness. Happy critters means good mulch. Unhappy critters means your wood chips remain intact till doomsday. So if you add a bunch of bark, counter it with equal portions of grass clippings or what have you. We use chickenshit, but take care that the pile cooks hot enough to render it biologically inert.

Pete

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