My Compost Does Not Heat Up Beyond 70F

Question

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! 🙁

• 

Answer 1

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