Moisture is an important component of the composting recipe! For fast, hot composting, ensure that your compost pile is significantly damp, but not too wet. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 45-55% moisture using ‘the Squeeze Test’. Squeeze a handful of compost (wear a glove if you prefer) and you can determine the moisture content by observing what type of ball/mass forms in your hand and how much water drips out. If a firm squeeze of the material causes water to gush out of your fist, it is way too wet. If a firm squeeze of the material causes only one or two drops of water to form, then it’s the perfect moisture level (think of a wrung-out sponge). If a firm squeeze of the material doesn’t form a ball in your hand, the material may be too dry.
