name: compost-tracker
description: Track compost piles, monitor temperature, record turns, and manage your organic waste decomposition. Perfect for home gardeners and small farms.
author: johstracke
version: 1.0.0
license: MIT
tags:
- gardening
- compost
- farm
- organic
- recycling
- sustainability
- soil
- outdoor
Compost Tracker
Track your compost piles and monitor decomposition progress.
Features
- Add compost piles with size, location, materials, and notes
- Temperature monitoring - track heat levels (key decomposition indicator)
- Turn history - record when you aerate each pile
- Status tracking - Active → Ready (harvest ready)
- Search across piles, locations, materials, and notes
- Export to markdown for backup and sharing
Usage
Add a compost pile
compost_tracker.py add "Kitchen Pile" --size "Large" --location "Garden Corner" --materials "kitchen scraps,leaves,grass"
List all piles
compost_tracker.py list
Show pile details
compost_tracker.py show "Kitchen Pile"
Add temperature reading
compost_tracker.py temp "Kitchen Pile" 55
Record a turn
compost_tracker.py turn "Kitchen Pile" --notes "Aerated with pitchfork"
Mark as ready to harvest
compost_tracker.py harvest "Kitchen Pile"
Search piles
compost_tracker.py search "ready"
Export data
compost_tracker.py export ~/compost-backup.md
Temperature Guide
- Below 20°C (68°F): Decomposition slow, need more green material (nitrogen)
- 20-40°C (68-104°F): Good decomposition, bacteria active
- 40-55°C (104-131°F): Optimal range, fast decomposition
- 55-65°C (131-149°F): Hot composting, kills most pathogens and weed seeds
- Above 65°C (149°F): Too hot, need to turn and add water
Composting Tips
- Turn every 1-2 weeks to add oxygen and speed decomposition
- Keep moist like a wrung-out sponge (not soaking, not dry)
- Balance carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens) - aim for 30:1 ratio
- Chop materials into smaller pieces for faster breakdown
- Add variety - mix kitchen scraps, yard waste, leaves, cardboard
Materials to Include
Greens (Nitrogen-rich):
- Kitchen scraps (vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds)
- Grass clippings
- Plant trimmings
- Manure (from herbivores only)
Browns (Carbon-rich):
- Dry leaves
- Sawdust
- Cardboard (plain, no plastic tape)
- Paper (shredded)
- Straw
Materials to Avoid
- Meat, fish, dairy (attracts pests)
- Pet waste (cats, dogs)
- Diseased plants
- Weeds with seeds
- Treated wood or sawdust
- Glossy paper or plastic
Integration with Other Skills
- Plant Tracker - Use finished compost to nourish your plants
- Seasonal Planting Guide - Plan compost timing for spring planting
- Garden Layout Planner - Position compost piles near garden beds
Part of IOU's Gardening Suite 🌱
