Water between each course. A pile can work at any height, but at about four feet the pile has acquired enough mass to build up really hot temperatures in the center, This means decomposition is taking place as rapidly as possible and weed seeds are being destroyed. A higher pile means unnecessary physical exertion lifting material to the top of the pile. Make the top of the pile concave so rain is directed into the pile instead of running off. The time required to convert raw organic material into compost depends upon a number of factors.
Bacterial actions is more rapid in warm weather than in cold weather.
Green material decomposes more rapidly than dead, dried or woody material. A turned pile decomposes faster than one that is left undisturbed. Within reason the higher the moisture content of the pile, the faster it works. Piles as small as three feet square can work in reasonable lengths or time if they are turned each week or two. Keep the pile as straight and as square as possible to conserve heat in the pile.