Reheating a Compost Pile

Composting, a common practice among gardeners and farmers, recycles organic materials to produce highly fertilized soil. As compost matures, it heats to temperatures upward of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is a byproduct of the bacteria that breaks down the organic matter; this process requires ample moisture and oxygen. When the temperature of your compost pile begins to drop, you must reheat it so the bacteria can continue their work. Reheating a compost pile requires minimal effort and a bit of patience.

Pitchfork
Compost thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Dampen the compost pile by pouring water over the top. Pour only enough to provide a moist environment without soaking the pile. Alternatively, you can pour human urine over the top. Urine contains several nutrients that the bacteria can feed on. If the compost pile is already moist from rain or recent additions, skip this step.
- 2
  Turn the compost pile with a pitchfork. Work from the outside of the pile toward the interior. The goal is to pull the material on the interior of the pile outward and place the exterior material in the center. Fresher material in the center provides the bacteria with more to break down, reheating the compost pile.
- 3
  Leave the compost pile unattended for three to five days, checking it regularly with a thermometer. The temperature should increase back to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the pile does not reheat, the compost is nearly finished; it will not rise in temperature again.
- 4
  Repeat the moisturizing and turning process each time the compost pile’s temperature falls below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue reheating the compost until it no longer increases in temperature.

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