Thermal Composting

♨️ What Is Thermal Composting?

By Moore’s Farm – Home of Dr. D’s Worms, Compost & Mushrooms

If you’re looking to turn your kitchen and yard waste into rich, garden-ready soil fast, thermal composting might be your new best friend.

Also known as hot composting, this method uses heat generated by microbes to break down organic material quickly and effectively — sometimes in as little as 3 to 6 weeks!

Let’s explore what it is, why it’s useful, and how you can get started small-scale at home.

🌡️ What Is Thermal (Hot) Composting?

Thermal composting is a controlled process where organic materials break down at high temperatures (130°F to 160°F) due to microbial activity. This heat:

  • Speeds up decomposition

  • Kills weed seeds and pathogens

  • Produces high-quality compost faster than cold composting

✅ Why Choose Thermal Composting?

  • Faster results: Done right, you’ll get finished compost in under 2 months.

  • Better sanitation: High temps kill harmful bacteria and seeds.

  • Smaller footprint: Great for small yards or urban gardens.

  • Perfect partner for worm farming: Let hot compost “cool down,” then feed it to your worms!

🛠️ How to Start Thermal Composting at Home (Step-by-Step)

🔸 Step 1: Choose Your Composting Area

  • Use a bin, wooden pallet setup, or a pile about 3 ft x 3 ft minimum.

  • Place it on bare soil or grass for better drainage and microbial activity.

🔸 Step 2: Gather Materials

You’ll need a balanced mix of:

  • Browns (Carbon-rich): Leaves, shredded cardboard, straw, sawdust

  • Greens (Nitrogen-rich): Kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, manure

🔁 Ideal ratio:
2–3 parts browns : 1 part greens

🔸 Step 3: Build Your Pile in Layers

  • Start with a brown base layer (~6 inches).

  • Add greens, then alternate brown and green layers.

  • Lightly water each layer so it’s moist like a wrung-out sponge.

  • Mix everything well if possible.

🔸 Step 4: Monitor Temperature

  • Use a compost thermometer (or your hand — warm is good, hot is better).

  • The pile should reach 130°F–160°F within a few days if the balance is right.

🔸 Step 5: Turn the Pile

  • Every 3–7 days, use a pitchfork to turn and aerate the pile.

  • This feeds oxygen to the microbes and maintains heat.

  • A well-turned pile can finish in 3–6 weeks.

🔸 Step 6: Let It Cure

  • Once it cools down and stops heating, let it rest for 1–2 weeks.

  • You’ll be left with dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling compost.

🔍 Pro Tips from Dr. D’s Corner

  • Chop or shred large items to speed up decomposition.

  • Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.

  • If it smells bad, add more browns.

  • If it’s dry and cold, add greens and water.

🪱 Want to Go Deeper?

Once your compost has cooled, it becomes a great starter base for worm bins. Your red wigglers will love it — and they’ll turn it into even richer worm castings!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Thermal composting is an easy, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and grow healthier plants. With just a little effort, you can turn scraps into garden gold — right in your backyard.

👨‍🌾 Questions? Drop a comment or visit us at www.mooresfarmsc.com for tips, supplies, and support from Dr. D and the team.