Day 7

 The first turning of the pile

Ambient temp 47

Pile core temp 113

I was going to add some video today but hubby was building a sandbox close by and it was a bit noisy.

In this photo you can see some Actinomycetes - the light grey/white stuff.  These are not mold but have been described as "half-breed organisms" - part bacteria, part fungus - these operate at medium temps.  These are a very good sign.

With a hot pile, you will not see worms, they tend to head for cooler temps when piles hit the 70's range.

Here is the pile, mid turn.

And the pile, turned.  I did add water as I turned and stirred it up.  Hot piles should be wet enough to feel like a wrung out sponge. 

(I love excuses to get my hands in the earth)