A more effective practice is to turn the pile and re-wet the materials in the process. Certain materials will shed water or absorb it only on their surface. Dead leaves, sawdust, hay, straw, and some dried weeds and vegetables must be gradually wetted until they glisten with moisture. Then they should be mixed until the water has been absorbed into their fibers. It will be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy odor.
Unfinished compost can be phytotoxic, especially to seedlings and newly established plants.
Therefore, compost must be allowed to decompose thoroughlybefore using. While most compost will greatly improve soils for plants, unfinished compost, or compost resulting from anaerobic decomposition, can contain acids or alcohols that can harm or kill seedlings or sensitive plants. Chop, cut, or shred any coarse materials to increase their surface area for microbes to work. Start the foundation of the pile by placing a 6-inch layer of bulky materials on the ground. Materials such as brush trimmings or wood chips can be used.