Commercial Mulch Delivered is Steaming - Okay to put directing into our 18" deep container boxes? - Ask Extension
We had Dirt Huggers compost delivered and it is still steaming. We put this mulch directly into the 3' x 10' x 18" wood containers that my husba...
Knowledgebase
Commercial Mulch Delivered is Steaming - Okay to put directing into our 18" deep container boxes? #929444
Asked April 24, 2026, 7:46 AM EDT
We had Dirt Huggers compost delivered and it is still steaming. We put this mulch directly into the 3' x 10' x 18" wood containers that my husband built. Will the mulch stop decomposing? How long do we need to allow for the mulch to cool down before we plant? Can watering help cool it down? In hindsight, I think we should have cooled it first before filling our containers. Help!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Laura. The Dirt Hugger website indicates that they sell 3 types of compost, and I am uncertain which you purchased. (https://www.dirthugger.com/compost-and-soil-blends) If you purchased the "Organic Compost", it needs to be mixed with potting soil or native soil. If you purchased "50/50 Blend", it already has soil in it, but you can add it to existing soil. If you purchased "Ready to Grow", it, too, can have seeds or seedlings planted now.
The "steaming" probably results from a "hot composting" method. You should wait until it reaches the outdoor temperature before planting anything in it, so the roots don't "burn".
This OSU publication has lots more information that's helpful for achieving successful vegetable gardening:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9027-growing-your-own
Good luck!
The "steaming" probably results from a "hot composting" method. You should wait until it reaches the outdoor temperature before planting anything in it, so the roots don't "burn".
This OSU publication has lots more information that's helpful for achieving successful vegetable gardening:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9027-growing-your-own
Good luck!
Thank you for your help!
Welcome!
