@gymgirl
Compost will happen eventually whether you turn piles, add water or not. Most of us gardeners want the piles of leaves to decay fast so that's why we add nitrogen in the form of kitchen scraps, weeds, manure or coffee grounds. Heating up the piles can be done repeatedly; to speed things along add nitrogen. then on weekly basis turn, toss,water and turn some more. You talk about sifting your compost, I've heard of such a thing but can't figure out why my plants would need it sifted.
