Learn How to Build, Turn, and Manage a Fast Hot Compost Pile

A lot of people ask me how I make finished compost in about six weeks here in Kodiak, Alaska.

Want the short answer?

F.A.W. — Food, air, and water. Microbes need these, just like us, right?

Oh, and knowing WHEN to turn the pile. That's a biggie, for beginning and expert composters who might have missed this along the way.

In the video I'm featuring today, I take you right into my composting area — my happy place —a nd walk (and talk) through the process I’ve used for decades — including how I turn compost, why I cover my piles, what materials I use, my favorite composting tools, and a few tricks that make a big difference.

Composting Tips From 40 Years of Hands-On Experience

This isn’t theory or stuff you grab off the internet. It’s based on more than 40-plus years of hands-in-the-dirt experience making and using compost in a temperate, rainforest climate. Yup, that's Kodiak Island!

I also bust a few myths, like this one:

Compost works best when you build the pile all at once — not in dribs and drabs.

You'll also learn about:

• Why layered compost piles often fail
• What the white “moldy” stuff really is
• How to tell when compost is ready to turn
• Why a compost thermometer is your best friend
• How to fix compost that’s too wet
• The best compost bin size for hot composting
• Why food scraps should stay out of landfills
• And yes… the surprising compost booster — it's free!

If you’ve ever wondered why your compost pile stalls out, smells bad, stays cold, or just seems to sit there forever, I think you'll find this video really helpful.

So, pour a cup of your favorite beverage, put your cat in your lap, and get ready to be inspired.

I've lined up some chapters below to make it easier to find the topics you're interested in.

Video Timestamps

• 00:00 — How to make hot compost faster
• 00:44 — Why I cover my compost pile
• 01:11 — How to know when to turn compost
• 01:21 — Why a compost thermometer matters
• 02:36 — Signs your compost is breaking down
• 03:19 — What is the white stuff in compost?
• 04:07 — Fixing compost that’s too wet
• 05:02 — What I put in my compost pile
• 05:58 — The compost turning trick that speeds decomposition
• 07:57 — Why layered compost piles fail
• 09:02 — When to add food scraps to compost
• 11:32 — Best compost bin size for hot composting
• 13:42 — How to store kitchen scraps for compost
• 14:15 — Why food waste should stay out of landfills
• 17:02 — Best materials to cover compost piles
• 17:47 — The surprising compost booster I use

Okie dokies, like I say in the video:

Keep your hands in the dirt and your eyes on the stars.

Thanks for being here... for being you,

What do you think? Let’s Keep the Conversation Growing...

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