Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening

Making and Using Compost

Unit 1.7 | 19

C. Monitoring the Composting Process

1. Why monitor and why keep records


2. Demonstrate/discuss compost thermometer (and other monitoring devices if available)


3. Demonstrate how to use materials and temperature record sheet (appendix 2); show
   examples of record sheets from past, including timing of turning/aeration with
   temperature dip

D. Demonstrate Turning a Pile

1. Review the pros and cons of turning


2. Review when to turn, how often to turn


3. How to turn—outside materials to inside


4. Trouble-shooting as you turn

E. Assess Existing Piles or Compost Samples

1. Examine piles at different stages of decomposition looking for:

a) Heat, temperature curve examples (record book)

b) Odor, color, texture

c) Moisture

d) Recognizable parent materials

e) Different materials or techniques used

f) Show examples in continuum from coarse to finished

g) Examples of good, finished compost

2. Look for examples of problems to have students troubleshoot

F. Give students their compost-building and monitoring assignment
(see Step-by-Step Instructions and Hands-On Exercise)

Instructor’s Demonstration 1 Outline