Reigniting your HOT compost

Well hello hello, fellow compost enthusiasts! I thought it might be time to give you a poke, test your temperature and see if you’re all still active out there!

As a follow-up to our recent workshop on winter gardening with a keen focus on hot composting and utilising its heat to warm a greenhouse space, I’m excited to provide you with this guide to rekindle the fiery potential of your compost piles. Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting your composting journey sometimes you need a bit of guidance to really get your compost going! Here we'll explore practical steps to revive your hot compost and maximise its benefits for your garden.

In the ‘Winter is Here’ Workshop, we delved into the fascinating world of hot composting, where the decomposition process is driven by a diverse community of microbes. These tiny organisms break down organic matter, releasing heat as a byproduct. We discovered how this heat can be harnessed to warm a greenhouse, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for extending the growing season. Now, this blog is aimed to keep you onntrack for fantastic spring compost! Let’s dive into what to do as your compost pile starts to cool down - empowering those microbial superheroes to work their magic once again.

SO, What can I do to get my compost hot again?

Firstly, if you haven’t got yourself a compost thermometer this is essential! Its a fantastic and affordable tool that takes out a lot of guess work!

Secondly, see below my steps to getting your pile hot again!

Assessing Your Compost Pile: A Microbial Perspective Begin by assessing your compost pile through the lens of microbial activity. If it has cooled down, it's an indication that the microbial community may require some support. Remember, a hot compost pile typically reaches temperatures between 55-70°C during the decomposition process, driven by the diligent work of microbes. On most compost thermometers this will be indicated with a ‘Steady’ reading.

Checking Moisture Levels: Moisture is vital for microbial activity in your compost pile. Microbes require a moist environment to thrive and efficiently break down organic matter. Verify that your compost has the right moisture content by ensuring it feels like a damp sponge. If it's too dry, add water to provide a hospitable habitat for your microbial allies. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate dry materials such as straw or shredded newspaper to balance moisture levels.

Turning the Pile: Aeration is crucial for the well-being of your compost's microbial inhabitants. Microbes require oxygen to carry out their decomposition work effectively. With a garden fork, Your hands, or a compost spiral, turn the pile to thoroughly mix the materials. This process not only introduces oxygen but also redistributes heat, reigniting the microbial activity throughout the pile..

Adjusting the Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio: Microbes thrive on a balanced diet of carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials. In our workshop we aimed to get a ratio close to 1:25 go greens:browns. While a 1:25 ratio of greens to browns is generally suitable for composting, if your pile has cooled, consider increasing the amount of nitrogen-rich greens. This provides a boost of fuel for the microbial community, reinvigorating their activity and heat production.

Shredding or Chopping Materials: Microbial Accessibility Microbes are more efficient when breaking down organic matter that is shredded or chopped into smaller pieces. By increasing the surface area, you make it easier for microbes to access the materials, accelerating decomposition. Before adding materials to your compost pile, consider shredding or chopping larger items to support your microbial allies in their work.

Insulating the Pile: As most microbial activity will occur in the middle of your pile you can encourage even composting in this cooler weather by protecting the outer layer. Utilise materials like straw, leaves, wood chip, or a layer of cardboard around and on top of the pile to create insulation. This protects the microbial homes from chilly temperatures and helps sustain their activity.

Maintaining Proper Aeration and Moisture Levels: Composting microbes thrive in an environment with regular aeration and balanced moisture levels. Keep up with the ongoing maintenance of your compost pile by turning it regularly to provide fresh oxygen. Additionally, monitor moisture levels, adjusting as necessary to keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, ensuring the microbial community stays healthy and active.

Congratulations! You're now equipped with the knowledge to reignite your microbe-powered hot compost pile and continue your journey towards sustainable gardening practices. By implementing the steps, you can revitalise the heat-generating potential of your compost! Don’t feel bad taking full advantage of microbes, they have incredible work ethic and will perform their microbial magic transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich goodness. Give the microbes the support that they need and they’ll be your best helpers in the garden!

Happy composting!

Check out this hot compost! This is the day 5 temperature check! This compost stayed this hot for a whole week! It then simmered right down to 22 degrees and also sank into the compost bin by about 20 cm. So I gave a turn and a water and off it went again!