Q: How hot does compost need to get to kill weed seeds?
The pile needs an interior temperature of about 140°F or higher to effectively break down weed seeds and pathogens.
CT102 - 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.
This compost thermometer has an extra-long 20" probe to reach down into the middle of the pile for a quick and accurate reading. The easy-to-read dial face measures from 0° to 200°F, and has markings to indicate decomposition speed zones. Organic matter decomposes slowly in the Steady Zone (80° to 100°F), faster in the Active Zone (100° to 130°F), and most rapidly in the Hot Zone (130° to 160°F)
Made of stainless steel.
The compost thermometer is also available as a set with our compost moisture meter.
The pile needs an interior temperature of about 140°F or higher to effectively break down weed seeds and pathogens.
The Steady zone (80 to 100°F) marks slow decomposition, the Active zone (100 to 130°F) marks faster breakdown, and the Hot zone (130 to 160°F) marks the most rapid decomposition.
At 20 inches, this compost thermometer's probe is long enough to reach the center of a full compost pile, where temperatures run higher and more consistent than near the surface.
Not necessarily, a 20-inch probe is sized for larger piles, so a shorter probe thermometer may give a more representative reading in a small bin where the material doesn't fill the full probe length.
The dial reads from 0°F to 200°F, covering everything from a cold, dormant pile to an actively hot, fast-decomposing one.
| Materials | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 20" probe length |
| Includes | Compost thermometer |
| Package Quantity | 1 item |
| Warranty | Lee Valley Satisfaction Guarantee |
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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.
This compost thermometer has an extra-long 20" probe to reach down into the middle of the pile for a quick and accurate reading. The easy-to-read dial face measures from 0° to 200°F, and has markings to indicate decomposition speed zones. Organic matter decomposes slowly in the Steady Zone (80° to 100°F), faster in the Active Zone (100° to 130°F), and most rapidly in the Hot Zone (130° to 160°F)
Made of stainless steel.
The compost thermometer is also available as a set with our compost moisture meter.
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Choose an option to view item availability.