Hot vs. Cold Composting

Hot composting and cold composting. Totally different processes and end products. One kills weed seeds, pathogens and parasites. One does not. The product you are looking for and how you intend to use it will determine the process.

Video Timestamps:
0:20 Compost heap ingredients
0:46 Carbon to Nitrogen (brown to green) ingredient rations for composting
1:04 Cold composting
2:02 Hot composting
3:25 Finished hot and cold compost comparison
3:36 Which compost system is right for you?

HOT COMPOSTING OVERVIEW

• You will 2/3 carbon (brown) + 1/3 nitrogen (green) ingredients.
• Balance of nitrogen, carbon, aeration, moisture by tarping to trap heat and turning as needed.
• Can be ready in a few months
• Perfect for growing spaces, vegetable gardens, and pastures as pathogens, parasites and seeds die off when exposed to 140-150°F (see sources below)

Sources:
“Within a week, temperatures in a properly constructed compost pile will reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That quickly kills many seeds and stabilizes the composted material. But it takes 30 days of exposure to temperatures of 145 degrees or more to kill seeds from tougher weed species.” 
wssa.net

“Most species of microorganisms cannot survive at temperatures above 60-65°C, (140-150°F).” 
Cornell Composting

COLD COMPOSTING OVERVIEW

• You will 2/3 carbon (brown) + 1/3 nitrogen (green) ingredients.
  
• Usually ready after 9-12 months+ depending on ingredient type and size
  
• No turning, no trapping heat, no monitoring moisture
  
• Super flexible system
• Great for adding to orchards or spaces where weeds can sprout

The intention for using your finished compost will determine the process. If you would like to use the product in animal grazing spaces or vegetable gardens, hot composting is highly recommended as when desired temperatures are reached, pathogens and weeds are killed off within the heap. However, if you intend to use compost as a soil conditioner in your orchards or non grazing spaces where weeds are not problematic, cold composting may be a good fit for you.