Have you ever wondered how hot your composting pile should be in order for it to compost well? If so, follow along as I explain how to identify the different stages of the composting timetable of a hot compost pile.

To measure your compost heat at different stages of the composting timetable, you need a compost thermometer which can be found at garden centers. Alternately, you can use a meat thermometer mounted on the end of a stick. Either one works well if you wish to have precise temperatures when monitoring the different stages of the composting timetable.

The composting timetable is as follows:

Stage 1: Once your pile has been put together according to the compost recipe and has been covered, the temperature of the pile should rise steadilyand peak between 50 degrees C and 65 degrees C (120F to 150F), 24 hours to one week later.

Stage 2: After the temperature peaks, it begins to drop; now is the time to turn your compost pile inside out. Break up any clumps of material and turn your compost pile so that the outside parts end up being at the base and center of the your compost pile. If the pile is too dry, this is the time to wet it when you are redoing your compost pile.

Stage 3: Now that the compost pile has been turned inside out and any lacking humidy has been added, it is time to cover the pile again, and wait.

Stage 4: According to the composting timetable, the temperature should peak again in about a week if your compost pile is made of well shredded material. (Remember, the smaller the pieces, the faster the compost.)

Stage 5: For the second time the pile begins to cool. Again turn the pile bringing the inside material to the outside of the pile and the outside material to the base and center or your pile. Add water if necessary for the pile must remain humid.

Stage 6: In another week or two after the temperature peaks again and cools, the compost should be finished. When the compost is ready for use, the temperature of the pile won’t rise above 43 degreesC (110F) no matter how often you turn it.

Dark and crumbly, fresh-smelling material with very little of the original material identifiable signals the end of the composting timetable for this pile.

Key Points to Remember

1. Use equal amounts of “greens” and “browns”

2. Mix together a variety of ingredients

3. Shred or chop all ingredients, if possible

4. Build the pile large enough to retain heat

5. Turn or aerate the heap regularly to let in the air.

6. Keep the pile as moist as a damp sponge.

7. Monitor by using a thermometer and make any necessary adjustment

Now that you have compost, where and how can it be used?

To find out, tune in to my next post.

Meanwhile, happy gardening.

Marcie

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 at 9:31 pm and is filed under Composting Timetable Explained, Hot Composting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.