[Red_Devil 232]

I created a new compost pile this past week from grass clippings and have been tending it and measuring its temp. This pile really took off temp. wise ... up to 145 degrees within a few days. I have been turning it over and adding lots of water every day. I want to use this particular compost as a mulch for my garden. When I turn it I keep getting a lot of what you could call gray ashy areas in the pile ... kinda like it was getting very hot. There is nothing in this compost pile but grass and the added water.

My question is, is this normal for a compost pile ... to create this grat ash?

[Arrowhead1952]

Yes, compost piles create a lot of heat and ash looking areas. Grass is one of the most noticeable for the gray ashy areas. You can find that in any large hay pile in the fields if it rains.

I have mine in and old 65 gallon trash bin that someone left at an abandoned worksite. I cut a hole in the bottom just big enough for a square point shovel and take a few shovels full out the bottom and throw it on the top.

Just use enough water to keep it going now and keep turning it on a regular basis. Every two - three days is plenty. I toss leftover veggie stuff from the kitchen in too.