The easiest way to check the moisture in your compost bin is to have a peek inside.
If your compost bin is too dry: The breakdown of organic material will occur very slowly.
If your compost bin is too wet: It will be slimy and likely smell a little like rotten eggs. In a compost tumbler, you may also find large clumps forming.
To assess the moisture of the compost, you can also use the “Squeeze Test”. This is an easy, efficient way to check the moisture levels:
1. Take a handful of compost from around halfway below the surface and squeeze it tightly.
2. At correct moisture levels, only a few drops of moisture should come out.