Is it CRAZY to even think about doing this?

[Bubblingbrooks]

could you get one of those black round compost bins that you can rotate? that way most of the icky's from the compost would be contained and wouldn't be molding and spreading nasties through your house? could you rig something like that to contain it in under the house?

Or maybe try a hot frame type deal? pile in the leaves and manure under some windows like a green house? or is sunlight an issue as well?

Sunlight is an issue. We do get it, but its very weak and low.

I did plan on a lid for the tub, if that is what is worrying ya'all

 

[CrimsonRose]

well yeah if you have a lid then go for it! hahaha I just pictured you making a huge compost pile under your home... no barrel no lid... just poo stinking up the joint

 

[journey11]

Now it's not nearly as cold here in zone 6a as it is in Alaska, but I heated a cold frame one winter with raw horse manure mixed with leaves. Come spring the stuff was black gold. I dug a pit about 18" deep and dumped it in with a layer of soil above it. (The breakdown of the manure generated heat for the veggies.) I don't think I'd want to put compost/manure under my house (although I see you want to take advantage of the extra warmth to activate the compost). I'd worry about mold, termites, etc. A pit dug into the earth will usually hold a steady temp...think of a root cellar...don't know how deep your freezes go, but that might be an option if you are willing to dig.

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

well yeah if you have a lid then go for it! hahaha I just pictured you making a huge compost pile under your home... no barrel no lid... just poo stinking up the joint

I am more civilized then that

 

[CrimsonRose]

no offence to you but I live in hillbilly USA... I could SO see about half of my inlaws seriously doing something like that... so unless otherwise specified I always assume the worse...

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

no offence to you but I live in hillbilly USA... I could SO see about half of my inlaws seriously doing something like that... so unless otherwise specified I always assume the worse...

Oh gracious!

And they wonder how bird flu spreads