i am happy to report that an experiment with my hot house has been a success.
it may not be a new one but.....
winter is coming up pretty fast on me and i am confident with this method to heat the inside of the hot house using no electricity and receiving a bonus at the end
i modified some large plastic plant pots and filled them with soil, straw, cow manure, ash, old compost and comfrey leaves.
the pot is about 50 cm tall and generates enough heat through decomposition ( about 30 degree celcius ) to keep the temp inside the hothouse above outside temp.
once the batch cools down a little, i will rotate it with a new one or two depending how cold it gets, then i have some lovely humus to add to my potting mixes.
it may not be as regular as electric heatbeds or old fry pans but it costs me a big fat $0.00 and that folks, is gold.