As more and more people decide to move away from a conventional compost heap and begin to use an urban compost tumbler it is important that they are used correctly. Knowing how to use the compost tumbler for maximum results will mean that you can produce compost in a matter of weeks.
Here is how to get the fastest results using a compost bin tumbler.
If you want to make compost in a few weeks then there are a few things you need to do to make it happen. Firstly you need to ensure that you only put very soft materials in the tumbler. Only add organic matter that will break down quickly. Don’t put hard stalks of cabbages or the like inside. Just use soft leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds and other materials that can be turned in to compost quickly.
Next you need to ensure that you only allow the contents to be moist. You do not want it to be really wet or totally dry. Limit the amount of water you add so that the contents are just a little moist. This will ensure that you can create the best environment possible for the compost to be made.
Finally ensure that you rotate the compost bin on a regular basis. Do it every few days and you will be amazed at the results that you can achieve. This is how the tumbler is designed and it is like this for a reason. If you follow these few tips you will make compost in a few weeks with the urban compost tumbler. -Dave Tee
Being that I spend so much time playing with waste, I love reading other people’s how-to articles on composting. Some of them are very informative and I might learn something new to try out, others not so much. I’m not saying I disagree with this whole article, but I think most of it is debatable…but what isn’t?
The opening sentence “as more and more people decide to move away from a conventional compost heap”… how do you know that? What event recently has actually changed the number of current composters from constructing a compost heap to getting a compost tumbler? I’m stumped. Yes, composting gadgets are my favorite toys, but I don’t ever expect there to be a “movement” where everyone is rushing out to replace their compost heap.
Then again, I’m hoping this country starts making composting compulsory and taking San Francisco’s lead. I don’t know if SF was first, but I have friends there that always remind me about how much they love their program. On the contrary, I met some Canadians that hated their city’s compost program. Haha, I love all this energy building up around dirt.
Also in this article, he mentions only putting “soft” items in the pile. Come on, dude. If you only put soft materials in the compost, when will you ever compost the “hard” stuff? Take your cabbage stalks and chop them up a little bit. Big deal.
I’m also a bit bothered by the claims of how fast you can make compost with your tumbler. With my new tumbler I just received to test out, I’ll run an experiment and we’ll see how long it takes. I guess it’s not fair for me to complain, it’s just that I don’t mind if it takes a while to earn the black gold. You’re composting…relax. Enjoy it. I feel a little bit cranky. More coffee.