If your compost smells obnoxious, it means the materials are packed too tight. To fix the problem, mix in coarser materials to allow better oxygen penetration. Active compost reaches temperatures ranging from 70 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the compost. Disease organisms die at 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating is essential, because it stimulates the bacterial process and helps keep the interior of the compost free from weed seed and plant-disease organisms.
Some Gardeners turn compost regularly to ensure that all materials are heat processed.
Frequent turning speeds decomposition, but isn't required to make compost. In Colorado, it's best not to turn compost after December. Turning allows valuable heat to escape, and may stop processing in cold weather. To restart active processing, turn and mix in fresh materials with the winter compost. Processing occurs faster when materials are mixed together, rather than layered in the bin.