I had a compost pile that was working and was about 75 to 80% done and then I went on a long vacation for a month. What should I do now to make the pile hot? Also, do you think I can still add fruit and vegetable scraps?
I have a open wire mesh square composter bin that is not covered.
Thanks

Email  

Turn the pile. If it heats up, it heats up. If it does not heat up, it is probably past the heating stage. If it does not heat up, but you really want it to, mix in some grass clippings.

Anything you add now will need to break down before you can use the compost. It may be best to let it cure, and start a new pile.

Nothing, just let it continue to decompost until you can get it through a 1/4" sifter. The batch pile doesn't stay hot forever, only the first 4 or 5 weeks.

Website

Thanks a lot for the replies. I turned it over and added some fresh grass clippings from my neighbor who was glad to give me for my project. I also noticed a few bugs at the bottom of the pile and a couple giant earthworms which startled me. Also, where can I find a 1/4" sifter? In hardware stores?

Email  

1/4" as well as 1/2" hardware cloth can be found in home improvement stores. usually in the same area as deer fencing and chicken wire. you can just make a frame of wood and tack it on. be sure when you make and use it to wear gloves because the cut end of the wires are really sharp. Here's some sifter ideas
sifters

Website

Thanks a lot for the info. I have chicken wire mesh that I bought from Elliott's Hardware here in Plano when I made my own composting bin. I now use the one provided by City of Plano, which I acquired after passing 4 booths in Live Green in Plano event this April. I can use the same mesh and make myself a sifter. Also, I happened to see the Mastercomposter is head quartered in Plano. Thats great to hear and know.

Email  

I don't know which bin you are referring to, but if it's about 4/x/4/x/4 feet, sturdy wire covered in green plastic coating, that's a C.E Shepard bin. The grid is too large to use as a sifter. Measure a single open square in the mesh. For a sifter, it should be no bigger than 1/2" x 1/2"

Website

That's right, I have a 1" opening 3ft by 3ft by 3ft chicken wire and found out it is too big for sifting.

I had another question, why is my pile not getting heated now after a few days of heavy rains, I managed to turn it prior to the rain. Do you recommend turning again. Thanks.

A hot batch pile will heat up about 4 or 5 times if it is built correctly and turned/watered every 4 or 5 days. As has already been explained in the answers above, a compost pile will not stay hot forever. If you are within that window of heat and the pile starts to cool, yes, turn and water it.

Website

Thanks for the info. Will try turning the pile again.