Hot composting is a faster process that involves carefully balancing green and brown materials in a compost pile to generate high temperatures (up to 140-160°F) that kill weed seeds and pathogens. This method requires regular turning and monitoring but can produce compost in 1 to 3 months. Cold composting is a more casual approach where materials are added to the pile as they become available, without much concern for balancing or turning. This process is slower, taking anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, but requires less effort.