I like the idea of using a hot compost pile to enable the use of all the organic matter we produce- even if weeds have gone to seed or the squash have powdery mildew. My understanding is that a well managed hot compost pile will kill weed seeds and pathogens. What makes me a bit nervous is the fact that, after watching several Elain Ingham videos, I'm not sure I can manage the pile adequately to safely use "undesirable" materials. We have 2 properties and sometimes I let a pile sit longer than it should between turning. Ms. Ingham makes it sound imparetive to turn the pile on schedule to avoid ruining the entire batch. Recently I saw some information on African farmers who manage hot compost with much less precision but good results. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on how much precision is needed to be able to safely use weeds with seeds and mildewed leaves?
