Revitalizing an almost-finished compost pile?

by Becka
(Newville, PA)

Hi Doug! It's finally spring, and last year's compost pile has thawed, and it's *almost* ready, but not quite. It's nice and dark, but it's cooled down, and I think it could still break down some more. I have considered adding some horse manure (from a friend). How can I go about rejuvenating the pile?

thanks,
Becka

Doug says that if it still has too much uncomposted material that's "brown" the solution is to add green or nitrogenous material to the mix. Mind you, it also has to do more than just "thaw" - it does need to get up to working or starting temperature.

Turn it over. Add green if there's too much undigested stalks etc. Get the balance of green to brown right and it will take off as soon as the outside temps get warm enough to start the bacteria working (then it will create its own heat)