Rotline Question of the Week: If it is cold outside, will my compost bin still heat up?

It is a common misconception that a compost pile heats up because of the sun. Sure, if it is hot outside, the pile will be warmer than if it is cold outside, but the sun is not what causes a compost pile to hit the triple digits.
The microorganisms residing inside of the compost pile are [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: What should I do with my compost bin while I’m on vacation?

With holiday season approaching, we have received a lot of questions about what to do with your compost bin while on vacation. No need to hire a compost bin sitter!
If you have a backyard composting bin (Biostack, tumbler, etc.) your bin will be fine while you are away on a trip. Your bin will continue [...]

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Rotline Question of the Week: Can you have too many greens in your compost pile?

Sometimes, composters find themselves lacking in browns (carbon rich materials like straw, mulch, shredded paper, etc.) and having a surplus of greens (nitrogen rich materials like kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, freshly cut grass, etc.). But is it bad to have too many greens? What happens if you have too many greens in your compost bin?
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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Is hay or straw best for my compost?

Hay is considered a nitrogen source, or a green, and can be added to your compost bin. Because hay often has weed seeds in it, make sure that your bin is reaching a hot temperature, 100 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are passively composting and not achieving high temperatures, you can bag the hay [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need a thermometer to compost?

You can definitely compost without a thermometer, but thermometers do make composting a bit easier. Thermometers can help you know when to turn your pile, when to add more material, when to add water, and when your compost is finished. Many composters also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing just how hot their pile can get!
Optimal [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Where should I keep my compost bin?

The best place to keep your bin is in a shaded location. There is a common misconception that the sun causes the contents inside the bin to heat up but it is actually the thermophilic bacteria creating heat as they decompose the material. Keeping your bin in shaded location will help maintain the bin’s moisture. [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: How hot is too hot for my worms?

Don’t forget about your worms during this hot weather. The ideal temperature for your red wigglers is somewhere between 55 and 77 degrees Farenheit. Some sources note that worms can survive in temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees but after 85 degrees, your worms are unlikely to make it.
During extreme weather make sure to [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need to add worms to my compost bin?

Worms are generally used in closed-system compost bins. Worm bins are used to house the worms, which will digest your materials and create castings. When using a worm bin, you will need to add worms to the bin.
Compost bins are generally open-bottom bins and do not require worms.  In a compost bin microbes called thermophilic [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: How Hot Can Compost Get?

When the bacteria in your compost eat your organics, your compost heats up. Sometimes, our compost gets so hot that it will even steam in the early morning. Exactly how hot should compost get? How hot can compost get? Is there any way to regulate your compost’s temperature?
Ideally, our Master Composters [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: How Can I Get My Compost Pile to Heat Up Properly?

Heating up your compost pile is beneficial for you and the organisms inside.  Compost that peaks at temperatures between 130° and 150°F breaks down faster due to optimal activity.  It also helps with getting rid of invasive pests and dangerous pathogens in your materials.  However, some composters just can’t seem to get their compost to [...]

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