“We have a 3-bin rotating system in which we normally have one bin in the composting phase and another in the curing phase. Our property has some slope to it, so that gave us the opportunity to put the bins up next to a retaining wall for easy loading. There is enough space in front of the bins to back a truck up for loading the finished compost.

We have found that your blower cycle recommendation seems to work well for aerating the pile. Once fully loaded and aerating, our bins reach abuot 160 degrees and stay there for about two weeks and then slowly drop thereafter. Active composting goes on for about four weeks and then the pile cures for four weeks before we disassemble the bin. I drilled a 3/8″ hole in the front of each bin as a port for the thermometer.

All in all, we are able to compost about 2/3 of our horses’ manure. Thanks for designing this system!”

To answer this question, I have designed and built a cover (as shown) and it seems to dramatically help the composting process. The intention is to shed excessive water (i.e. rain or snow) and to retain both heat and moisture derived through the composting process.

I am frankly amazed at how much water collects on the underside of this cover. I knew it would be wet, but as this design is, it is extremely effective at retaining moisture and heat. Given these quantitative results, I now suggest that everyone should cover their Micro-Bins throughout both the active and curing phases of composting throughout the year.