How do I fix my compost pile that isn't breaking down?

My compost pile isn't breaking down. What should I do?

There could be several reasons for that. Have you checked the moisture level and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio?

I haven't checked the moisture. How do I do that?

You can check the moisture by grabbing a handful of compost. It should feel like a damp sponge, not too wet or dry.

Okay, I’ll check that. What if it’s too dry?

If it's too dry, you can add water gradually and mix it in. Just be careful not to over-saturate it.

Got it! What about the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio?

A good ratio is about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. You can add more green materials for nitrogen or brown materials for carbon.