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Hey Vondo, I find that when my compost pile isn’t heating up it’s due to an imbalance of “greens” (kitchen scraps) and “browns” (dry leaves). Ideally you want to keep your compost mix at a ratio of 3:1. I can always tell when I’ve added too many greens when a swarm of fruit flies greet me when I take the lid off my compost bin! A few handfuls of mulch or leaves help manage this as well as any nasty smells. Good luck!
Hey! Yes, I agree with Jessica about the ratio of greens:brown. I would also add a couple more reasons why a compost pile might not be heating up…
1. Moisture – keep your compost pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge—neither too dry nor too soggy.
2. Aeration is also vital if you want your pile to break down quickly. Turn the pile regularly to give it fresh air, and chop materials into smaller pieces for faster decomposition, If you have one, use a compost thermometer to check for a cozy temperature between 130-160°F (55-70°C).If all else fails, a little patience can do wonders as even the slowest compost piles eventually heat up!
If your compost pile isn’t heating up, start by checking the balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, aiming for a roughly 2:1 ratio. Ensure the pile is moist, like a wrung-out sponge, and turn it regularly to maintain aeration. The pile should be at least 3 feet on each side to retain heat effectively. Chop large pieces of material to improve decomposition, and consider adding a compost starter if needed. Use a compost thermometer to verify that temperatures are within the ideal range of 130°F to 160°F (54°C to 71°C), and adjust moisture, aeration, and material balance accordingly.
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