Backyard Pro Compost Thermometer

The Reotemp Backyard Pro Compost Thermometer takes the guesswork out of composting. It's large 2.5"/.98cm dial is easy to read and tells you how your compost is doing at a glance - Steady, Active or Hot. It's perfect for larger backyard piles that require a longer and more heavy duty thermometer. With it's 5/16"/.8cm diameter stem it's sure to hold up long-term and it's 24"/61cm length it can easily reach the center of larger piles. A digital PDF compost guide is included with your purchase to help you get started. The head of the thermometer features a glass lens that will not yellow over time and is hermetically sealed so you can leave it in the pile. This model features an adjustable calibration screw and 1 year limited warranty. This product is compatible with Reotemp brand FM-0 or FM-0S probe handles.

• 24"/61cm Stem Length, Rugged All Stainless Steel Construction

• 5/16"/.8cm Diameter Heavy Duty Stem

• PDF Compost Guide Included with Purchase

• 2.5"/.98cm Hermetically Sealed Dial (Won't Fog Up)

• 0 to 200 Fahrenheit Dial Range or -18 to 93 Celcius Dial Range

• Read at a Glance Dial: Fahrenheit with 3 Temperature Zones that Indicate Compost Activity - Steady, Active and Hot

24"/61cm Stem Length, Rugged All Stainless Steel Construction

5/16"/.8cm Diameter Heavy Duty Stem

THE STEADY ZONE
8 0 - 1 0 0 º F ( 2 7 - 38ºC)
The collaboration of bugs, worms, and microorganisms are slowly breaking down the rich organic material in the pile. Small compost piles will remain in the Steady Zone until they run out of fuel or become too dry. If the inner pile temperature falls to within a few degrees of the ambient air temperature, you may need to add fuel, water, or turn the pile. If the material is dark brown and smells “earthy” then the compost is done.

THE ACTIVE ZONE
1 0 0 - 1 3 0 º F ( 3 8 -54ºC)
For most backyard piles this should be the zone that you try to keep your pile in for the quickest composting. In this temperature range, mostly all of the composting occurs as microorganisms break down the material. Most insects and worms cannot withstand the heat of the pile. If your pile peaks into the Active Zone, then falls back into the Steady Zone, it is time to turn your pile. Move the material from the outside of the pile to the inside to encourage further decomposition. The inside of the pile should be moderately damp. Keep in mind the hotter your pile is the more moisture it will lose. If you find dry spots while turning, add some water.

THE HOT ZONE
1 3 0 - 1 6 0 º F ( 5 4 -71ºC)
Congratulations! You are the envy of backyard composters everywhere! Only large piles (4 ft. x 4 ft. and larger) can obtain such high temperatures with nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings. In this zone the organic material is breaking down at a rapid rate as tiny microorganisms consume it.

If the temperature climbs above 160ºF (71ºC) then split the pile in half and water it down. Temperatures above this zone can kill the microorganisms and there is the (rare) chance of the pile catching on fire.

1. Can this thermometer be left in the compost pile?
   Yes, the thermometer is sealed and can be left in the compost pile.
   
   
2. Where should I measure the temperature in my compost pile?
   Around the center of the pile is a good place to test. The hottest part of the pile is generally the center.
   
   
3. What should finished compost look like?
   It should be dark, crumble easily and have an earthy smell. You should not be able to identify any of the original ingredients.