Looking for opinions on compost tumblers

[RoseMead]

They seem to make for tidy and relatively easy composting, according to the what I've read. Can anyone here tell me, do compost tumblers really work well? Are they a good investment? Has anyone here run into problems using one? And finally, is there a particular brand of tumbler DU gardeners would recommend?

Thanks in advance for what I'm sure will be good advice. :)

[TygrBright]

1. I've bought two in the last 18 months...

...so here's what I've learned, FWIW:

First, you need two.

This is because you cannot believe the claims about the kind that is "continuous." I have one of those, it works fine, maybe even better than the vertical one in terms of speed and efficiency, but the claim that the "finished" compost will naturally sift into the core and can be removed while the unfinished stuff continues to cook on the circumference is bunkum. The core collects just as much unfinished as finished, and is a pain in the ass to try and empty without spilling the unfinished compost.

Do not let that discourage you from getting one, they make great compost, just don't expect to get by with that alone.

So. You need two. Why? Because you load up composter #1, taking out your kitchen scraps, houseplant clippings, minor yard debris, etc., several times a week, for a few months, and what you have in there is a mix of everything from finished compost to fresh garbage, and you really, really, really do NOT want to empty and screen that crap. You want to leave it for a few weeks or months to get almost all finished and THEN screen it and toss the bits that haven't quite digested back in for the next batch.

All well and good, but you need someplace to put the kitchen scraps, etc., in the mean time while it's finishing, yes? So composter #2 becomes the "intake" receiver for a few weeks/months, while #1 is finishing. Then you empty #1 and IT becomes the "intake," while #2 finishes.

OK, there's that.

Another thing I learned. You will want compost starter, microorganisms inert in a dry powder. Add a little each time you start a new batch. About a cup. This makes the composter work faster, especially if it's in a location where it doesn't get a lot of sun to help with the heating-up, etc.

And another thing. Household waste (kitchen scraps, houseplant clippings, etc.,) is way too much "green" matter to compost efficiently. I keep a bin of peat moss by the composters and dump in a scoop now and then to add "brown."

And a last thing: Watch your moisture level carefully! I usually don't have much problem with it but I throw in a lot of wet coffee grounds, tea bags, etc., as well as fresh vegetable waste. But now and then, especially in the summer when it gets more sun and heat, it has required a sprinkle of water from the hose to keep going.

I've taken off two batches so far, and except for being disappointed that those "compostable" plastic bags for collecting kitchen waste don't compost very FAST (and they keep getting hung up on the pipes that "stir" the compost as the tumbler turns,) I've been pleased with the results. I have a screen and I just dump the tumbler onto a plastic tarp, lift the tarp onto a wagon (to save my back the bending!) and screen it into a big plastic garbage can, throwing the "unfinished" bits back into the tumbler to help start the next batch.

It doesn't make a large quantity. I never let mine get more than about half-full, so that it will tumble freely, and that cooks down to about 5-8 gallons or so of finished product, which is a fairly small volume, compared to what I used to get with my big open bins full of waste from a large garden/yard. But it's powerful stuff! I mix it in when I dig planting holes for new shrubs and perennials, as well as fall topdressing.

composticulturally,
Bright

[RoseMead]

2. Thanks so much!

Especially the information about needing two - makes good sense the way you described it.

I'm trying to set up for square-foot gardening, and since compost is such a big part of that method, I need a good, but space efficient way to make my own. So far, tumblers look like a good bet to me, even if I need more than one. I was surprised at how relatively non-expensive they are.

My grandfather grew up on a farm, and when he moved to town he had a huge garden. My parents dabbled in putting out tomatoes for a couple of summers, then quit. For me, gardening feels like trying to re-invent the wheel. Sigh.

Thanks again for the good advice. Happy growing.:)

edit: If you don't mind, what brand of tumbler are you using?

[TygrBright]

4. One is called an "Urban Compost Tumbler" and the other is a "SunPost" n/t

[susanna]

5. Thank you, thankyou thankyou.

I was about to throw out my tumbler. I've had it a few years and only the first year did I get decent compost out of it. :-(

I have run into all the problems you mention (half decomposition, dryness, etc., etc.)

I am going to take your post to heart (I printed it and will try some of your advice this year).

Thanks again for the info! I thought I was just a dolt. ;-)

[Poiuyt]

3. You might want to check this site:

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/

They have little videos on how to use their products. Everything environmentally friendly.