Damp is not necessary, moist is best. Most piles will be moist in the
middle, and dry out around the edges which is normal. Dig down a few
inches and if it's dry, water it. Adding a little more green (than
brown stuff) adds water too. Treat compost piles like a living
thing--they all need *some* water to survive. But compost piles are
very forgiving, if the die (stop cooking), they can be brought back to
life again under more favorable conditions. If your pile is under 1
cubic yard, it will be more difficult keeping it moist. Composting is
very easy once you get the knack of it, and all serious gardeners
should have a compost pile or two or three.

On Mon, 01 Sep 2003 21:28:40 -0600, Grandpa
wrote:

snip

So far no smell and no critters. Should I keep it damp or let it dry
out? Right now I water it maybe once a week or 10 days. Mine is pretty
dry for the most part. FWIW, I'ce read several books and web sites
wilth info but int he end they all seem to contradict each othersigh,
thus I ask for others experiences - thanx!