The temperature of your compost pile is critical. In order to control the Compost Pile Temperature, you should consider buying a Compost Thermometer.

Here is our selection for the Best 5 Compost Thermometer with features and Review. 

What’s Compost Thermometer ?

A compost thermometer is a tool used to measure the temperature of compost. Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food waste and yard trimmings, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

The temperature of a compost pile can give an indication of how actively the composting process is occurring, as microorganisms that break down the organic matter thrive at certain temperatures.

By using a compost thermometer, composters can monitor the temperature of their compost pile and adjust the conditions as needed to optimize the composting process.

Composting and Temperature

Why you should Monitor Compost’s Temperature ?

Monitoring the temperature of a compost pile is important because it can give an indication of how actively the composting process is occurring.

The microorganisms that break down the organic matter in the compost pile thrive at certain temperatures, and maintaining the right temperature range can help to optimize the composting process.

For example, if the temperature of the compost pile is too low, the composting process may slow down or stop altogether. On the other hand, if the temperature of the compost pile is too high, the microorganisms may die off, which can also slow or halt the composting process.

By using a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature of the compost pile, composters can make adjustments as needed to maintain the optimal conditions for composting.

The different Temperature by Composting Steps

here are four main stages of the composting process, and each stage is characterized by a different range of temperatures. The four stages are:

1. The mesophilic stage, which occurs at the start of the composting process and is characterized by temperatures between about 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage when microorganisms begin to break down the organic matter in the compost pile.
2. The thermophilic stage, which occurs after the mesophilic stage and is characterized by temperatures between about 70-150 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage when the majority of the composting process takes place.
3. The cooling stage, which occurs after the thermophilic stage and is characterized by temperatures between about 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage when the composting process slows down and the temperature of the compost pile begins to drop.
4. The curing stage, which occurs after the cooling stage and is characterized by temperatures below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage when the compost is finished and ready to be used.

By using a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature of the compost pile, composters can determine which stage of the composting process their compost is in and make any necessary adjustments to optimize the composting process.

Composting Temperature Chart

After an initial high-temperature period (of a few days to several weeks), compost pile temperatures will gradually drop.

Turning the compost rejuvenates the oxygen supply and exposes new surfaces to decomposition, causing temperatures to rise.

When the temperature drops below 70′ F (21′ C), the composting process is nearly complete.

Disavantage of High Temperature on Composting

One disadvantage of high temperatures in a compost pile is that it can kill off the microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the organic matter. These microorganisms are critical to the composting process, as they convert the organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendment.

If the temperature of the compost pile gets too high, the microorganisms can die off, which can slow or halt the composting process. In addition, high temperatures in a compost pile can cause the compost to dry out and become too hot to handle, which can make it difficult to turn and aerate the compost.

Finally, high temperatures in a compost pile can cause unpleasant odors to develop, which can be unpleasant for composters and their neighbors.

How to choose Compost Thermometer ?

When choosing a compost thermometer, there are a few factors to consider. First, you should consider the type of compost thermometer that you want to use.

There are two main types of compost thermometers: digital and analog.

• Digital compost thermometers typically have a digital display that shows the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, and they can be more accurate and easier to read than analog compost thermometers.
• Analog compost thermometers typically have a dial or pointer that indicates the temperature, and they can be more affordable than digital compost thermometers.

Another factor to consider when choosing a compost thermometer is the size of the compost pile that you want to monitor. If you have a large compost pile, you may want to choose a compost thermometer with a longer probe so that you can easily insert it into the center of the compost pile and get an accurate reading.

Finally, you should consider the durability of the compost thermometer. Compost thermometers can be exposed to moisture and other harsh conditions, so it’s important to choose a compost thermometer that is built to last. Look for a compost thermometer that is made from durable materials and has a waterproof design.

Top 5 Compost Thermometer Features & Review

If you are looking to buy a Compost Thermometer consider the following list of the Top-selling Thermometer for your Compost pile

Read also:

• The Beginner Home Composting Guide
• The Buying Guide of Composter For Backyard Composting

1- Cate’s Garden Compost Thermometer

Cate’s Garden Compost Thermometer Premium Stainless Steel Bimetal Thermometer for Backyard Composting – 2 Inch Diameter Fahrenheit/Celsius Dial, 20 Inch Temperature Probe

Cate’s Garden Premium Compost Thermometer lets you know the temperature and health of your compost pile. Simply place the stem into the middle of your pile to get an accurate reading.

As you know, the composting process consists of beneficial microbes breaking down your yard waste and kitchen scraps into fresh, usable soil for your lawn, garden, and flower beds.

With this thermometer, you will know the inner workings of your pile, and correct any problems and imbalances to speed up the soil-making process.

Benefits of Cate’s Garden Compost Thermometer

2- REOTEMP Backyard Compost Thermometer

A REOTEMP FG20P Backyard Compost Thermometer takes the guesswork out of composting.

Features of REOTEMP Backyard Compost Thermometer

3- Compost Soil Thermometer by Greenco

4- Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer by Smart Choice

Use the Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer by Smart Choice to accurately and easily measure soil surface and sub-surface temperatures and determine likely bacterial activity.

It’s the right tool for the job and makes your gardening or composting easier and more rewarding.

Perfect for reading soil temperature and compost temperature, outdoor or indoor garden use, and much more.

Used by professional gardeners and groundskeepers to manage ideal planting and composting.

5- REOTEMP K83W Worm Composting Thermometer

Features of REOTEMP K83W Worm Composting Thermometer

Advantages of Using Compost Thermometer ?

With a basic understanding of the temperature at the center of your compost pile you will know:

Basic composting instructions are included on the back of the package to help get you started.

It’s the perfect companion for your compost pile, compost bin, or compost tumbler.

Minimize unpleasant odors from your compost pile: This can be a concern in urban and suburban areas with small lots and neighbors living close by.

How to Reduce Compost’s Ordors ?

Odors can be reduced, or eliminated, by following two practices:

If the compost smells like ammonia, add carbon-rich elements such as straw, peat moss or dried leaves.