20" Compost Thermometer

A compost pile should reach an interior temperature of 140°F or more to effectively kill weed seeds and pathogens. If the pile is not reaching this temperature, adjustments can easily be made to its moisture content, pH, aeration, etc., to bring it up to the proper temperature. Although you can stick your hand into the pile to see if it is "hot" or not, that is not a reliable measure.