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Run a cold pile for low-risk material

Not everything needs a hot pile. Leaves, woody prunings and plain garden waste can sit in a low-effort cold heap.

How

1. Pile garden material in a separate bay or bin and add to it as it arises.
2. Turn occasionally if you like, but it is not required.
3. Keep diseased plants and seedy weeds out, because a cold pile rarely gets hot enough to kill them.
4. Allow 6 months to 2 years. Do not use cold compost on edible crops unless it has aged many months or has gone through a hot phase.

Sources

1. Hot vs cold composting. University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, accessed 2026-11

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