After a dayy or two, take a temperature reading from the center of the compost pile. A temperature reading of 90-140 degrees shows that the microbial life is working. It is important to try to get the highest temperature. The high temperature will kill off insects and weed seeds. If the temperature is too low, the microorganisms need nitrogen. Therefore, mix in grass clippings or other materials high in nitrogen.

The smell of ammonia from the pile is a sign of too much nitrogen, add more sawdust or dried leaves. If the pile smells stink at anytime, it has probably spoiled. You will need to turn it much more often to get oxygen into it. If the pile hasn't heated up by three or four days, and it isn't too wet, you may have to add more nitrogen or water.

The nicrogranisms in the compost pile will change as temperature changes. In about a week or two the pile will reach it's highest temperature and then start to slowly cool down. As it cools, other organisms such as fungi and bacteria starts to react which helps the compost pile break down.

Turning is the hardest part of being a composter. To produce a good compost pile in the shortest amount of time you need to turn the pile. Use a pitch fork or spading fork to turn the pile. Shovels do not work as well.

How you turn your compost is important. You should try to turn the top and outside edges into the center of the pile. This is done every time the pile is turned to make sure that all sections of the pile go through the center. You may need to add grass clippings on top to cover any kitchen waste. For best results, the comppost should be turned every few days.

The turning process adds oxygen to the compost pile and allows all materials to pass trough the hot center. While turning, inspect the pile for moisture and odor. The compost should look damp, but dry enough so that it crumbles apart after being squeezed together. A well made pile will have steam coming out when it is turned. A good compost will also cool down for several hours but will heat up again.