My compost pile finally got hot after I added a bunch of coffee grounds

I have a small compost bin in my backyard. It was just sitting there, cold and wet, for months. Last Tuesday, I got a five gallon bucket of used coffee grounds from a local cafe. I mixed it all in with the old leaves and food scraps. Two days later, I stuck my hand in and it was actually warm, like a fresh loaf of bread. I learned that the 'browns and greens' balance is real, and coffee grounds are a super green. It just needed that nitrogen kick. I'm stoked it's finally working. Has anyone else had a cold pile that just needed one specific thing to wake up?

2 comments

2 Comments

sarah_johnson4616d ago

Coffee grounds are like rocket fuel for a cold pile. I had the same issue last fall, just a soggy mess. A neighbor gave me a bag of fresh grass clippings and it was steaming by the next afternoon. Sometimes it really is just waiting for that one big dose of greens to get the whole thing cooking.

jennifere1816d ago

Read that coffee grounds can be too fine and actually mat down, blocking air. They work best mixed with something bulkier like straw or shredded paper. Fresh grass clippings are perfect because they're full of nitrogen and have more structure.