Freezing temps kill microherds?

[headees]

Ive got my soil composting outside and it is going to drop down to freezing for a few days here. I was wondering if this is going to kill off the micro herd, or have any negative effect on the bio-chemistry in the soil?

 

[Guest]

nope, otherwise nature would never recover from the first winter. They'll be fine; I've had freeze the last 3 days as well - sucks.

J.

 

[headees]

Yea its a pretty stupid question, but something I read had me thinking about this and I just wanted to be sure.

 

[Guest]

it's not a stupid question; what'd you read that made you wonder?

J.

 

[Relik]

Low temps do slow down microbial life, just as they slow down any lifeform (this can be useful for indoor growers to hunt pests - slowing down the temps in the room will immobilize the bugs). This does not mean instant death, however, as some species stay dormant while others can die. I do not know what the lowest temperature limit is regarding microherds, but if you're composting, your pile will make it's own heat, so I wouldn't worry much.

Good luck!

 

[jaykush]

hey the compost will be fine. in winter a black trash bag over the heap usually keeps some warmth and keeps the compost at the right moisture level. the microbes will be fine you dont have to worry.

great bug trick relik. it does come in handy in winter grows, hardly any bugs at all.

 

[vonforne]

You will be fine. I grind up left over fish parts and freeze them all the time. Break them out and brew them up. And the microkiddies will come to life.