What Everyone Must Know About Compost Tumbler

As we progress with gardening, we begin to realize the importance of organic compost. The fact is, making compost takes time, and you will always run short of it.

So what makes compost so distinct that makes you do all the hard work to turn garbage into compost?

Compost is high in nutrients and produced by the decomposition of organic matter. The organic matter is broken down with the help of bacteria and other microorganisms. We can call it as natural recycling.

Hence compost is far better than fertilizers.

Benefits:

Compost makes your plants happy, and at the same time it also nourishes and improves the soil.

This enriched soil help plants to be healthier and enables them to grow stronger. So there you go, it is all worth your hard work.

seedlings growing in compost

Creating the perfect compost usually, range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

So, can a compost tumbler help?

If you are looking to make compost at home and if you need it sooner then, yes, investing in a compost tumbler is a good idea. If you are already using a compost bin, then you know how easy it is to supply compost to your flower beds and vegetable garden.

In the regular composting process, firstly, you should get the proportion of the browns and greens correctly. Secondly, remember to keep the pile aerated. Lastly, keep it moist and do not let the mixture dry out.

The reality is, even if you ignore the pile this will still become compost. However, this will take much longer to process.

The gardening seasons vary at different places, so if you do not have a proper stock of compost ready to go when the first flower bloom, the springtime, you will need more hummus during the season. A Compost tumbler solves this issue.

A compost tumbler helps you make more compost in a much lesser time than using the traditional methods.

Another huge benefit of a compost tumbler, it helps keep the pests away.

Most compost tumblers come sealed and only have space for ventilation. So, if you have created compost, you know how pests cause a big problem, especially snakes for rodents. If you have experienced this and was looking for a solution then, the compost tumbler is your answer.

fresh compost in mans hand

Unlike your regular bin composting, there are few things which you need to be aware of when using a compost tumbler.

Simple Steps to Prepare the Perfect Compost Using  a Compost Tumbler

Experienced gardeners know the value of compost. It invigorates soil, adding organic matter and vital nutrients. Fortunately, making first-rate compost is easy when you have a compost tumbler. Just follow these simple steps:

Location, Location, Location

Place your compost tumbler in a location that is preferably shady and out-of-the-way but still convenient to your kitchen and garden.

Assemble Ingredients

The secret to great compost is a balance of green matter (i.e., fresh organic matter high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings and vegetable wastes) and brown matter (i.e., dry organic matter high in carbon, such as fallen leaves, straw, etc.).

Your compost material also needs air and water.

Chop Ingredients Before Adding

In a “cooking” compost mixture, billions of microorganisms chew up organic matter, converting it to dark, rich humus. The smaller the pieces, the faster this process takes place.

Mix and “Cook”

Turn the ComposT-Twin daily to provide the air necessary to “cook” the compost.

Add Water

As with all living things, bacteria need moisture to thrive. Add water, if needed, to keep the pile moist but not soggy.

Compostable Materials

To print a list of usual and unusual compostable materials, click here.

graphic of compost materials

These Things Do Not Belong in a Compost Pile

  • Bones, meats, dairy products, or any products that contain animal fats.
  • Dog or cat waste.
  • Invasive plants (such as ivy and morning glory vines), poisonous plants (including poison oak and poison ivy), or invasive weeds. Check with your County Extension Office for recommendations.
  • Plants that are diseased, insect-infested or treated with pesticides or herbicides.
  • Any non-organic materials such as plastics or synthetic fibers.
  • Tips on how to use a compost tumbler

Tips on how to use a compost tumbler

Consider preparing compost in batches. You can add all the raw materials together as a batch. Wait for this batch to process before adding more raw materials.

Once you add the raw materials, be sure to rotate the tumbler every day. Make sure that you turn the compost tumbler a few times in a week.

prepare compost in tumbler

YIMBY DUAL CHAMBER COMPOST TUMBLER

The first few batches of compost will take longer to produce.

You can speed this process by adding some old compost. This method is called compost activator. Adding some old compost helps make the decomposition process start more quickly, the bacteria and microorganisms from the old compost will get into action and blend to the new raw materials. You just need to get these tiny creatures in there and let them do the work for you.

Most importantly, keep control of water, try not to over water the mixture.

In about 2 to 3 weeks the compost should be ready. Usually, it will be even in color and have an earthy smell. Most of the raw materials you put have disappeared. If in case you find any raw materials in a more substantial quantity, then allow the mixture to decompose for a bit longer.

So there you go, an excellent compact solution to create natural organic compost much faster than it used to be. You will be happy, your neighbors will be happy, and most importantly your plants will be happy.

Invest in a compost tumbler and roll your way to natural organic fertilizer.

Do check out the best compost bins and tumblers review.

As always, happy gardening folks.

Gardening Tipz