Composting the Easy Way

L. David Roper
roperld@vt.edu
http://arts.bev.net/roperldavid

This is web page http://www.roperld.com/science/composter.htm.

I tried several different types of composters before I settled on the tumbler one described here

For details about the tumbler composter and how to order it, see the web site:

http://www.urbangardencenter.com/products/composter/uct9/index.html

I highly recommend getting two.

Some items that I have found helpful in using the tumbler composter:

• Dig a 1-foot deep trench under the composter and out about a foot on one side of it to make it easy to empty it. I got a narrow sled to put under it, as shown in a picture below, for ease of moving the compost after it comes out.
• Use an oil on the two large bowls when putting them together and put brass screws into the tabs where the two pieces latch. The instructions do not say this.
• Put the lid on immediately and keep it on for a few days after putting the composter together before putting wastes in the composter. Otherwise, the top opening can get out of round,  making it difficult to put the lid on.
• When putting the lid on pound around down on it with your fist before turning it to latch.
• I find that putting about 3 shovels of dirt and garden waste, e.g. leaves, with each bucket of kitchen waste makes a good compost.
• I find that I do not need to put any water in them. Enough gets in by the food scraps and the garden waste and some rain water. Actually, I removed the plug from the bottom to let as much drain out as possible.
• I fill them about half full to reduce the amount of force needed to rotate them.
• I fill one and then allow it to stew while I fill another one, rotating both three times each time I put kitchen scraps in one. I find it much easier on my back that the old method of turning compost by a shovel.
• I fill them only about half full to make it easier to turn them and to get more complete mixing when turning.