Take composting to the next level our with hot composting guides. Learn how to manage organic materials, microorganisms, and temperature for the best results.
Have you ever struggled to get your compost heap hot? Chances are you have missed one of the five keys to successful hot composting. Or perhaps you’ve become disheartened after listening to instructions to turn your heap every other day, or build a huge pile. (As Joseph Jenkins noted in The Humanure Handbook, the instruction […]
5 Rules for Successful Hot Composting (Daily Turning Not Included!) Read More »
When I started this post, I thought about calling it something like 17 ways to get your compost hot. But in reality, when you build a compost heap, you (mostly) don’t provide the heat. Instead, you provide the conditions for heat to be generated. (I say mostly because you can help kick-start compost bins through
17 Effective Ways to Insulate Your Compost Heap or Bin Read More »
In a hurry? For most backyard composters, the Reotemp 16-inch offers reliable readings and clear color-coded zones. Need serious reach? The Reotemp Heavy Duty (36-inch) is built for large piles and long-term outdoor use. I’ve been composting long enough to remember when the process felt mysterious. My first compost thermometer came with a HotBin, and
Compost Thermometer Picks for 2026 – After a Decade of Testing Read More »
If you’ve constructed your compost heap well, it won’t be long before it starts heating up. And if you’re like me, curiosity will soon start to gnaw at you. What’s the temperature? Is it too cool or too hot? When do you need to turn it? What happens if I add this or that material
Compost Thermometer Guide: All You Need for Temperature Perfection Read More »
I still remember the first time I got my compost hot enough to cook in. It was exciting, fun – and, I realised, not that difficult. It’s also a much quicker way to get finished compost than using a cold heap or bin. Yet… while hot composting has multiple benefits, cold composting has its place
Hot vs. Cold Composting: Which Is Right for You? Read More »
I first heard of the HotBin several years ago, when I was discussing gardening with the owner of the local convenience store. Chris is a keen gardener, and in-season grows nearly all the veg he sells his village shop. Chris is a keen gardener, and in-season grows nearly all the veg he sells in his
HotBin Mk2 Composter Review Read More »