Tumbler Composters

shell · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject: Tumbler Composters

Hi, This is my first posting, so I hope I am doing it right !!!
I was wondering if anyone has used or knows anything about a Tumbleweed tumbler composter ? Are they any good ? Do I really need two as the web sites I have viewed have sugested ? Any Information would be a great help.
Thanks
Shell

James Kilkelly · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:47 am Post subject:

The idea behind the tumbler style composters is that you don't need to get in there with a garden fork and turn the contents every so often.
This is recommended with a standard heap or bin to aerate the mix so that the compost process does not falter.
That's why many gardeners would have two composters side by side allowing them to for from one to the other ensuring a good mix.
Often they would instead have two composters side by side one for "composting in process" and the other for "ready to use in the garden" compost.

shell If your tumbler composter works effectively then all the turning and aeration work should be done with a spin or two every time you load it.
You shouldn't need a second tumbler, but a second standard bin to hold the "ready to use in the garden" compost would be helpful.

If you are looking for composters you should be able to source some here....... Compost bins

shell · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:22 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thanks James,
I have been debating this subject for a while and have come to the same conclusion as you, a regular bin in conjunction with the tumbler. I am so "green" when it comes to this kind of stuff I just wanted to make sure it made sence to those in the "know".
Thanks again
Shell

medieval knievel · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

i've heard very mixed reviews of those - that they're more hassle than they're worth. i've never tried using one though.

shell · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 3:40 pm Post subject: thanks

thanks for that medievel knievel, I will do some more searching before I make a decision. Do you have any other sugestions for composting without the physical effort of turning the pile every 6 weeks ?
Shell

cathd · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:52 pm Post subject:

You could hot compost for the first two weeks- turning or aerating every 4 days or so, and then introduce compost worms who will do all the turning for you. (If you add the worms before hot composting, they'll just move out if the pile gets too hot!) I get really good compost in under 3 months (summer) doing this.