Does anyone here use manure or undecomposed compost buried below a coldframe or tunnel to provide a gentle heat source during the winter? If so, how long does it work, and how far below freezing will it protect a crop? I'm gradually moving towards maintaining a year round garden here in the Seattle area. There is no electricity near my garden so I'm looking for an alternative way to provide 10-15 degrees of frost protection for the occasional cold blasts we get. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Nov 13 2010 : 06:40:50 AM
hi marilyn, i am going to get my old ancient first ever written organic gardening book out and look up cold frames for you. i see no one has offered info. i built these type beds in coos bay, or. about 40 yrs. ago.LOL LOL so i will post the directions. since you live in wash. you are right. you can grow things in a hot or cold bed there with a tunnel cover. i love elliott colemeans book. so i will be back in awhile with directions from the organic guru rodale. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Nov 13 2010 : 07:53:41 AM
the book says to dig at least 2 and a half feet deep. mix either horse or chicken poop fresh with water. needs to be wet poo. put in bottom of pit. pack tight to 16 inches down. then you can add the boards lumber to build the actual frame for the lid. then you add your top siol. you plant in the top soil. they remind you to watch your lid. it can get hot fast from sun on a cold day. be sure to build the lid on a 1 inch slant so rain and snow will run off. the lower long side should face south. you do need to watch for damping off of seedlings. putting spent tea leaves around plants helps. again it says ventilation is important. dry soil and air is good. hope this helps just my thoughts happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
Thanks for the info Sherry. Which Elliott Coleman book do you have? I have one of his newer ones but it doesn't go into any depth on this particular subject. I have an old gardening book of my grandpa's that describes how to build the deep compost system but gives no information about how much heat generation to expect. It also says nothing about mixing water with the zoo doo. My cold frames are made of a clear corrugated plastic material and I have automatic openers for them so the ventilation should not be a problem.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Nov 13 2010 : 10:15:01 AM
the water is very important. a dry compost does not heat and degrade. same with the poo. has to be wet going in to generate heat to the roots. if it were my cold frame i would get a concrete blanket to put over at night. used on craigs they are usually 20.00 dollars.there are too many variables to say your heat temp. sun day night temp size of cold frame. i would say cold crops for sure where you are. lettuce kale etc would do great.i dont have his books. i read his articles through mother earth news etc. have a great farm day sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
Heating coldframes with deep compost
Posted - Nov 06 2010 : 9:06:28 PM
