Day 8

Ambient temp 47

Pile core temp 112

All of the workers in the pile need moisture and oxygen to survive.  As the temp drops, it tells us that the organisms working in the pile are dying.  A product of their work is heat, this is why take the temp daily to keep track of our workers and keep them well fed.

When a pile has an ammonia odor to it, this indicates too much nitrogen (greens: grass) in the pile and more carbon (browns: dried leaves) needs to be added.  As you work with the compost you get a "feel" for what it needs.

For Spokane area readers, the Spring Compost Fair is this Saturday, April 30th : 11 - 2 
at Finch Arboretum

Master Composters/Recyclers will be available to answer all your questions and you can receive a FREE compost bin!  Please come with all your questions about compost, vermicomposting and recycling!