Black Gold Without a Farm
Hot compost needs enough mass to heat. Chop greens and browns, keep air moving, and skip meats/grease in backyard piles.
Materials Required
- Bin or open pile space (~3×3×3 ft ideal for heat)
- Browns (leaves, chips) and greens (kitchen scraps, fresh clippings)
- Water source
- Pitchfork or aerator
- Optional second bin for curing
Step by Step
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Size for heat
Aim near 3 feet of material so microbes can raise temperature. Leave room to turn.
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Chop and layer
Pieces about 2 inches compost faster. Alternate browns and greens; avoid treated wood bins.
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Moisture like a wrung sponge
Too dry stalls; too wet smells. Add water or dry leaves as needed.
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Turn on a schedule you can keep
Weekly turning speeds warm compost (centers can reach roughly 100–150°F). Cold piles still work — just slower.
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Cure and screen
Finished compost is dark with an earthy smell. Screen through 1/4-inch mesh for potting blends.
San Diego Tips
- UC Orange County Master Gardeners advise against adding manure in cool backyard piles (pathogen risk).
- Use our trailer when you need bulk browns or to haul finished compost to beds.
Want help getting this done right? Gardens of Gold designs and installs water-smart landscapes across San Diego County. Get a quote.