r/composting • u/Simple-Asparagus-794 • 11h ago

my compost isn't warm anymore?

My compost was doing pretty well. I rotate it every two to three days and I keep it in a home depot bucket with sealing lid. (It does also have air holes in it). It was warm for 2 months and even just a week ago it was warm ( I started like 2.5 months ago) and now it isn't warm it all. What could have happend? stuff at the bottom was definitely getting close to being compost.

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12

u/Ineedmorebtc 11h ago

Bacterial levels. They eat what is there, breed, reproduce, until the food runs out. More materials will Kickstart it.

Compost doesn't stay warm or hot forever. And nothing wrong with that. Other bacteria picks up where the thermophillic bacteria left off.

Cold compost will still compost.

3

u/Simple-Asparagus-794 11h ago

That is really cool to know thank you!

2

u/SoggyForever 9h ago

Either that great explanation, or you accidentally unplugged it.

2

u/Character-Shirt-757 11h ago

the bucket size might be the ceiling here, a small volume can finish up fast and then just coast at ambient temp

6

u/Impressive-Check-631 11h ago

Food+water+air. That’s what our desired bacteria (thermophilic) need to survive and thrive. Keep those in balance and you should be good. After two months you may have passed the thermophilic stage and it could be ready to sit and age now or it could be used I’m sure.

Also note that at least a cubic yard of material is recommended for a good hot compost pile.

2

u/DarkMuret 9h ago

All things break down with time

Pee on it