how to start a compost tumbler the easy way?

how to start a compost tumbler

If you want to start a compost tumbler, you will need to find a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight. The compost tumbler should be placed on level ground so it can spin easily. Once you have found the perfect spot, you will need to gather some supplies.

You will need compost soil, kitchen scraps, and water. The compost tumbler can be bought at most home improvement stores or online. Soil is needed to help the organic material break down, kitchen scraps provide nitrogen,

 

What is a compost tumbler?

A compost tumbler is a system for making composting quick, easy, and efficient. It is a cylindrical container that is turned regularly to mix the compost inside. The tumbler itself is made of heavy-duty plastic that rotates to give the organic matter the right amount of oxygen.

How does a compost tumbler work?

The compost tumbler works by rotating the compost inside the barrel to create a mixing action. This action helps to create a more even temperature throughout the compost and also helps to break down the materials more quickly.

The heat from the decomposing food scraps will help to break down the composting material. The compost tumbler can be rotated by hand or by using a motor. It should be turned every few days to ensure that the compost is mixed and aerated.

How to use a compost tumbler?

1. Choose The Right Compost Tumbler

When looking for a compost tumbler, there are a few things you should consider. The size of the tumbler is important, as you want to make sure it will fit in your yard or garden.

The type of material the tumbler is made from is also important, as you want one that will be durable and weather resistant. Finally, consider how easy the tumbler is to use. Some models have a crank that you turn to mix the compost, while others are rotated by hand.

2. Follow the assembly instructions 

When assembling the compost tumbler, follow the instructions carefully. The instructions will tell you how to connect the various parts of the tumbler and how to put the tumbler together. Make sure that all of the parts are properly connected and that the tumbler is stable before using it.

3. Add green and brown materials

Adding green and brown materials to the compost tumbler is important in order to create the perfect environment for composting. The green materials, such as fresh grass clippings and kitchen scraps, provide nitrogen which helps to break down the brown materials, such as leaves

and dead plants. If the right balance of green and brown materials is not achieved, the composting process will not work as well.

4. Turn the compost tumbler regularly

Compost tumblers are a great way to make your own compost. They work by mixing the compost ingredients together and then spinning them around to create heat.

The heat will help to kill any weed seeds or pests and will help to break down the organic matter. To get the most out of your compost tumbler, it is important to turn it regularly. This will help to mix the ingredients together and create heat.

5: Monitor the moisture content 

The compost tumbler should be monitored for moisture content and water should be added as needed. The compost should be kept at a moisture content of 50-60%. If the tumbler is too dry, the compost will not break down properly. If it is too wet, the compost will become slimy and will not break down properly.

6: Harvest the compost from the tumbler when it is finished.

Once the compost in the tumbler is finished, it is time to harvest it. This can be done by removing the compost from the tumbler and placing it in a bin or pile. Same can then be used in the garden or elsewhere.

Benefits of using a compost tumbler

1. Increased efficiency of composting

The tumbling action of a compost tumbler helps to speed up the composting process, making it a great choice if you want to create compost quickly. Compost that has been made with a tumbler tends to have higher levels of nitrogen than other types of compost because there are no air pockets for bacteria to grow into.

2. Reduced odor

Unlike traditional composting methods which can produce unpleasant smells, a compost tumbler helps to contain the odors associated with composting.

This is especially important when creating large amounts of compost as well as during periods where temperatures rise and cause an increase in ammonia production.

3. Compost tumbler is easy to use

Just load it up, turn it a few times a week, and you’re done. It takes less time to make your own compost using this method compared to conventional compost bins or outdoor compost piles.

The only thing you need to do is add water every once in a while so that the material doesn’t dry out too much.

4. Saves time, money, and energy

No need to turn your compost pile by hand. You can also save money on buying organic fertilizer since you don’t have to buy any chemicals for making compost at home. Just keep adding materials like kitchen scraps, grass clippings, dried leaves, etc., into the composter until they are fully decomposed.

5. Keeps pests away from compost tumbler

The compost tumbler is a great way to keep pests away from your compost. It is sealed so pests can't get in, and the rotating action of the tumbler will keep the compost mixed up and will make it difficult for pests to live in.

Top 5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Compost tumbler

1. Make sure to regularly turn your compost tumbler to ensure even composting

If you want your compost pile to break down evenly, you'll need to turn it often. This is especially important if you're using a compost tumbler, which can be turned easily. If you don't turn your compost, the bottom will start to rot and the top will become dry.

2. Add organic matter such as food scraps, dried leaves, and grass clippings to help speed up the composting process.

You should add about one-third of the total amount of material that goes into your bin each week. The more materials you put into your compost, the faster they decompose. You may also use other types of green waste like straw or wood chips.

3. Keep the compost tumbler in a sunny spot to help it decompose faster.

Composting is the breakdown of organic waste by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The compost tumbler should be kept in a sunny spot to help it decompose faster. The sun helps to break down the materials in the compost tumbler and create a rich soil amendment.

4. Remove build-up or clumps of compost

Make sure to remove any build-up of compost or organic waste from the interior of the tumbler. Remove any clumps of compost from the tumbler. These can be difficult to break up and can cause the tumbler to become clogged.

 

5. Add water as needed to keep the compost moist but not wet.

 Adding water to your compost is important in order to maintain the correct moisture level. If the compost is too wet, it will be difficult for air to circulate, and the pile will start to smell bad. If the compost is too dry, it will be difficult for the microorganisms to break down the organic matter.

6. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature

A compost thermometer is a great way to monitor the temperature in your compost tumbler. This will help you ensure that the compost is at the correct temperature for breaking down the organic material.

If the compost is too hot, it can kill off the beneficial bacteria that are responsible for breaking down the material. If the compost is too cold, it will take longer to break down the material.

Tips on Maintaining Your Own Compost Tumbler

It is important to clean and maintain the compost tumbler to ensure that it continues to work effectively. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining a compost tumbler:

Clean the tumbler

Clean the tumbler every few weeks, using a hose or a bucket of soapy water. This will help to keep it functioning properly and will prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the compost tumbler.

Keep your compost tumbler out of too much direct sunlight

The sun can dry up the soil inside the tumbler which could cause problems with the decomposition process. If you live in an area where there is lots of rain, this may not be as much of an issue but if you do have a lot of sunshine then try to avoid placing the tumbler outside during the day.

Remove build-up or clumps of compost

Make sure to remove any build-up of compost or organic waste from the interior of the tumbler. Remove any clumps of compost from the tumbler. These can be difficult to break up and can cause the tumbler to become clogged.

Check the bearings and gears

Check the bearings and gears to make sure they are in good condition and lubricated. This will help prevent them from becoming jammed when turning the tumbler.

Also check that all parts fit together properly. Make sure that no part has been damaged by being dropped on the ground.

What to put in a Compost Tumbler?

1. Vegetable scraps 2. Fruit scraps 3. Coffee grounds 4. Tea bags 5. Eggshells 6. Paper napkins 7. Old flowers 8. Grass clippings 9. Leaves

What not to put in a compost tumbler?

1: Dairy products 2: Meat products 3: Diseased plants 4: Weeds 5: Chemical fertilizers

 

What Kinds of Compost Tumblers Are Available

There are a few different types of compost tumblers available on the market. The most common type is the barrel-shaped tumbler, which can be rotated by hand.

There are also electric compost tumblers, which rotate automatically. Some compost tumblers have a heating element to help speed up the composting process. You can opt for plastic, metal, ceramic or wooden compost tumblers.

What to Look for When Buying a Compost Tumbler?

When looking to buy a compost tumbler, there are a few things you should consider:

The materials the compost tumbler is made of 

The material the compost tumbler is made of will affect how often you have to turn the compost, how easy it is to clean, and how long it will last. Some materials, like plastic, are easy to clean but may not last as long as metal or wood.

Metal is durable but may be more difficult to turn than plastic or wood. Wood is easy to turn but may not be as durable as metal.

Capacity

When you are looking to buy a compost tumbler, you need to consider the capacity of the tumbler. If you have a large family or a lot of plants, you will need a compost tumbler that has a larger capacity. If you only have a small garden or a small family, then you will not need a compost tumbler that has a large capacity.

Design

The design is also something to think about, as some tumblers have a more traditional design, while others are more modern. Finally, you'll need to decide if you want a manual or an automatic tumbler.

Price

The compost tumbler can be a great addition to your garden, but it does come with a price tag. Depending on the size and features of the tumbler, you can expect to spend anywhere from $60 to $200 on this gardening tool. If you're looking for a way to make composting easier and faster, the compost tumbler is definitely worth the investment.

Durability

A compost tumbler is a durable machine that will last for many years with proper care. It is made of high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time. The compost tumbler is also easy to operate, which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to compost their food scraps.

Handle system

There are two types of handle systems for compost tumblers: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal handle system is easier to use because it is more ergonomic and allows you to turn the tumbler with more ease. The vertical handle system is more difficult to use but it is more compact and takes up less space.

Wheel system

Compost tumblers need a wheel system to turn the drum and tumble the materials. There are 2 types of wheel systems: fixated and free-turning.

A fixated wheel system has a metal or plastic bar that is screwed into the bottom of the compost barrel. This bar is what rotates the drum, but it can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your barrel.

FAQ

how often to turn a compost tumbler?

The frequency with which you turn your compost tumbler will depend on the size and type of tumbler you have. Generally, smaller tumblers need to be turned more often than larger ones.

If you are using a compost tumbler with a crank, you will need to turn it every day or two. If you are using a compost tumbler that simply spins around, you will need to turn it every few days.

How long does it take to compost in a tumbler?

A compost tumbler can take about two to four weeks to compost materials. The time it takes to compost will depend on the size of the tumbler, the type of materials being composted, and the climate.

where to place a compost tumbler?

There are many options for where to place your compost tumbler. You can place it in a sunny spot in your yard, or in a shady spot.

If you have a garden, you can place it near your garden so you can easily add your compost to your garden beds. You can also place it near your house so you can easily add kitchen scraps to the tumbler.

how to heat up a compost tumbler?

There are a few ways to heat up a compost tumbler. One way is to place the compost tumbler in a sunny spot. The sun will heat up the compost tumbler and help to break down the compost.

Another way to heat up a compost tumbler is to use a compost heating pad. A compost heating pad will help to heat up the compost tumbler and speed up the composting process.

how to speed up composting in a tumbler?

There are a few things you can do to speed up the composting process in a tumbler. The first is to make sure that you add enough green material to the mix. Green material is high in nitrogen and helps to break down the compost more quickly.

You can also add a small amount of soil or compost to the mix to help speed things up. Finally, you can turn the tumbler regularly to help mix the material and promote airflow.

is there a compost tumbler where finished compost comes out?

There are a few compost tumblers on the market that have a spout or chute at the bottom of the barrel where the finished compost comes out.

This makes it easy to dump the compost into your garden beds or pots. If you are not lucky enough to have one of these compost tumblers, you can always use a shovel to scoop out the compost from the bottom of the barrel.

How to start a compost tumbler- Final thoughts

Compost tumblers are a good, convenient way to create compost at home. They are easy to use and can be an effective way of creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden. They come in different size and design. for you to chose from. Using a compost tumbler is more practical as compared to other methods of composting.