FIXING A COLD COMPOST PILE

Microbes which make good compost need air. So I'm going to get it cooking again with a compost aerator tool.

Simply thrust the pointed end into the heap and pull it up so the paddles open out, introducing more air, and the fermentation process will begin again.

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My lovely neighbors offered me their grass clippings again, and I've added - oh - about 3/4 a grocery paper bag's worth.

Turning the pile is hard work. I found that adding the grass in front of the pile, and scraping the top of the existing pile down onto it was easier. I did try to move things around, but not sure that there is enough air inside the pile. Perhaps it is too compacted.

I brought the temperature back up to 80 degrees, but I was hoping the grass would activate it back to the Steady Zone of 100-140 degrees.

However...after 24 hours it is still at only 80 degrees.

I think I need an aerator tool.

On to Day 19