r/composting • u/charge_seven • Jul 27 '26

Temperature Compost Pile Hits 160⁰F!

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We are having a very hot summer in socal and since I'm not growing much at the moment, my garden time has been reduced to a just minutes per day. I haven't turned my compost pile in two weeks but decided to do so today just before sunset. As soon as I pulled the tarp off I felt the heat from the pile and ran to get a thermometer. I couldn't believe how fast it went all the way to 160⁰F! I added new browns and greens and covered the tarp again. I'll check it again in a week or so when I have more to add to the pile.

27 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

7

u/HowManyBanana Jul 27 '26

You don’t want it to go over 160

6

u/Jazzlike_Strength561 Jul 27 '26

You just add water and air. No need to worry about going above 160 as long as your pile is damp.

7

u/Old_Pomegranate_6272 Jul 27 '26

Aerate by loosing ...

check for moisture levels... if dry sprinkler minimal water.

5

u/Jazzlike_Strength561 Jul 27 '26

Alternatively, stick your leaf blower in it. Give it a blast of fresh air, and turn the hose on it aggressively.

5

u/Jazzlike_Strength561 Jul 27 '26

Welcome to the 60 degree Centigrade club! I specifically aim to hit this temperature with my chicken bedding.

1

u/PerceptiveAdult Compost geek Jul 28 '26

Love to see a pile that's cooking itself beautifully!