What's your question? Ask

Composting

Q.My Compost Does Not Heat Up Beyond 70F

Zone Dallas, Texas | Richard Ret added on January 24, 2022 | Answered

You name it, I tried it. Ratios as best guess done. Turning pile. Pallets under and on ground. Watering, compost starter, horse manure, black cover now in January here in Dallas, afternoon sun… I only use recommended brown and green ingredients. Pile is close to 3 feet high, and at least 4 feet wide. Worms from ground are plentiful near ground. No smell. Using compost thermometer. Started pile In October and add weekly leaves and greens. Thrown dirt on from time to time. HELP! 🙁

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
BushDoctor
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on January 24, 2022

Generally, there are a few things that can cause this. I suspect that your microbes did not take. They tend to heat things up if you can get it, at least, warm.

Another problem is not turning the pile enough. This prevents bacteria from spreading equally to fill out the pile.

In the meantime, this article will help you to address a pile that won't get warm:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/heating-up-compost-pile.htm

Here are some more articles that you will find useful:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/starting-compost-pile.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/what-can-you-compost.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Composting
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK