I'm trying to start a compost pile, and i'd like it to be a "hot" compost pile. I ordered a compost thermometr, and my pile is only at 85 degees. I started the pile about 6 weeks ago

I've turned it a couple times a week and keep adding water to it, it doesn't seem overly wet.

Any ideas on what I can do? My pile is only maybe 8-12" thick, and is composed mostly of leaves that fell from a tree but i add all my scraps to the pile.

To get smoking hot compost you need the right mixture of browns and greens.
Leaves are browns. Grass clippings, manure are greens. In order for greens to heat up your like they have to be fine enough to mix with your browns. (That is why grass clippings are great to generate heat.

When they say your compost pile should be damp, it means just that. If you can grab it and squeeze water out of it, it is too wet. While too dry will slow composting, most people error on the side of adding too much water.

The final thing is size. I have noticed that unless my pile is mostly greens, I need 1/2 to 2/3 a cubic yard to get much heat. That is 3ft by 3ft by 18 - 24 inches high. Getting a full cubic yard is best.

It takes time to get your compost mojo going. Time practice and watching what goes into your compost and observing the results.

Hello everyone I am new here.

Has anyone put Green tea leaves in their compose? I dry the leaves and place in a bag.

I remember reading some where that a certain plant loves green tea leaves.

Thanks in advance,
Jennifer

Yes Green tea leaves are great in compost the break down fast, worm and plants love them.

I put tea bag and all in my compost. It ends up being a small part of my compost and the only non-compostable item is the staple.