For those of you who would like to feel the heat generated by an active composting process, simply do this:

When the ambient temperature is over 50 degrees Farenheit, take at least two, and preferably three, lawn mower bags’ worth of fresh, loose grass clippings and place them in a 2′ by 2′ pile. Water the pile with at least 1 quart of tap water, or preferably rain water or water from a local pond. Cover the pile with newspaper or a piece of cardboard to conserve moisture and protect from rain.

Wait 24 hours. After 24 hours, go back to the pile and place your hand by it. The heat generated by this pile is a by-product of the composting process.

– Dr. Aldous Benson