Compost thermometer

[ChickenPotPie]

I had a compost thermometer several years ago. I LOVED it! It helped me keep tabs on my compost bin - turn it at just the right time or leave it alone. I was able to make compost real fast using it.

I've searched high and low for a new one but even garden center employees look at me with blank stares when I ask if they have any. They don't even know what it is. :/

I MISS MY COMPOST THERMOMETER!!! Where can I find a new one?

 

[patandchickens]

Honestly I've always used the "poke a stick in to start a hole, then stuff your arm in there and see how hot it is" method. You're looking for temperatures hotter than you can comfortably hold your hand in for more than a second or two.

If you want numbers, get an instant-read kitchen thermometer (about $15, more or less depending on features, from any well-stocked cooking accessories department) and hold that in your hand when you stick it in there.

If you really want to buy a compost thermometer, you are likely to have to go online. I strongly suspect Lee Valley has one although I am too lazy and dialuppy to actually look myself or google < "compost thermometer" price > for a bunch of other options.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[ChickenPotPie]

Oh, duh. I just googled it. *smacks forehead* I swear, last time I looked (about two years ago) I couldn't come up with ANY results online. *blush*

Well, for anyone interested, here are a few links....

http://www.amazon.com/HOKCO-Compost-Thermometer/dp/B002FE5R8Y

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/coth.html

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...9x00001a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SPM1695443201

Do any of you SSers use them? What brand do you have? Where did you get it?

 

[Icu4dzs]

Naw, I just use the Patandchickens method. Stick your arm down into the goo and see if it feels hot!

My manure pile (now about 6 years old) still has steam coming from it!

 

[ChickenPotPie]

Ummm, . You know, I have no issues changing diapers, butchering cute rabbits, pulling guts out of a turkey carcass, or going in to rearrange a stuck kid but knowing what is in my compost, I can't get myself to take the plunge. >.< I admire you all for being so brave. LOL BUT, thank you for the suggestion. It's a very good one.

 

[patandchickens]

Well, what if you duct-tape an instant-read thermometer to a stick?

Pat

 

[k0xxx]

You can also find them on eBay starting just under $25 and with free shipping.