Compost Thermometer & Moisture Meter Set

The temperature and moisture content of your compost are important factors that influence how quickly and efficiently materials break down. Each of these tools has an extra-long stainless-steel probe to reach into the middle of the compost pile for a quick and accurate reading.

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)

The 15” long compost moisture meter detects moisture only at the tip; you can insert the probe to the desired depth and read the needle position on the display, which provides readings on a relative scale from one to ten. A simple calibration screw lets you pre-set the display to indicate the optimum moisture level according to your preferences; for subsequent readings, it will show you whether moisture is higher or lower than the pre-set. It can also be used as a quick-reading probe to test relative soil moisture, as when checking the span or penetration depth of an irrigation system. AAA battery included.

The thermometer and moisture meter are also available individually.