I think these are great for smaller gardens like myself, who just want a place to toss food scraps and sprinkle on the tops of your smaller beds. All I have is a 300 sq ft patio for my bay area townhouse, and these are perfect. I love the smell test idea for balancing the ratios.
Great video. When living close to neighbors (suburbs) or where rodents are prevalent, compost tumblers are a viable option and this video highlights the pros and cons nicely. We have done geobins (tee posts with wire fencing as circles, fill it up), in-ground specially-built compost holder, Jora tumbler, and Vivosun tumbler. All work but depends on your circumstances!
I brought a compost tumbler this summer and love it. I was using a trash can that I drilled a bunch of holes in to compost. Now I store my finished compost in my trash can that I use to top off my beds the compost is able to dry out a little more and it looks like the compost dirt I see in the compost videos I have watched. This allows me to continue composting in my tumbler. I purchased a dual chamber tumbler and I love it. I am trying to get away from having to buy fertilizers/soil/compost and just make my own.
Using it as a mulch layer is a great idea! I’m in Florida as well and my bin compost ends up the same as yours. Sometimes I just bury it in an unused bed to quicken the process since I’ve never been able to get that perfect composition.
Totally understand the overwhelming info about composting. I did the same researched a ton...then just started chucking stuff in a pile. I made columns out of cattle panels to create a neater 5ft pile/colum. Started tosding stuff in and has come out fine!
You’ve answered many questions that have been rolling around in my mind. I’ve been using a tumbler sine about May and it looks and smells ok so hoping it will work when I use it as a mulch layer for my next raised bed. You’ve inspired me to purchase a second tumbler bc I’ve wondered whether I should stop filling the original one and let it “cook” everything down before I use the contents. So I’m thinking if I start a second one I can do that and maybe always have one at the ready. Hope you are enjoying the trip. Be safe and keep on livin the d r e a m!
I really love having two. It feels more productive to me. Ones working and the other is filling. It makes the time it takes seem a lot shorter too since they are staggered. Hope you enjoy!
I do both. I shred all cardboard boxes, (not the coated ones) toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and all it’s just too much for tumblers. Could be I have a problem with Amazon shopping too! 😂 But I encourage all my neighbors to bring me theirs instead of it going to recycling when lord know what really happens to it.
Thank you for the one! Perfect timing. I just got one of those for my birthday and I'm excited about it but I've been stuck, not sure what to do 😮. I'm just going to chuck stuff in!😂😂
I live in Tampa Bay and have 4 composters. In order to avoid getting the rain in and turn my compost soggy, I place a plastic bag on top of each composter and a couple of bricks as weights. If the rain and wind is not too heavy usually the bags stay in place. It's a little more tedious and sometimes you have to rearrange them but it's been a game changer.
This video answered all my questions about the compost tumbler and composting. It was very relatable as far as the questions that I had. Thank you so much, and great job!!
This was the first video I watch on tumblers cuz I failed at a pile for all the reasons you mentioned plus my back can’t handle stooping over and turning with a shovel or pitch fork. Your video was perfect, great presentation I don’t have to watch anymore videos! I’m going with tumblers 🙏🏼😘
actually, a hot pile can be achieved in a tumbler or in my case a trash can. i am forced to compost in trash cans due to hoa. i check temps regularly, every time i go to water the garden, and in my 20 gallon trash cans, i have 9 now, if the temp is below 100 i mix/stir/turn adding drunk compost, layer crumbles, rice, biochar, if i have some that needs inoculating & alfalfa while doing so. temps usually within a couple of hours are back up to 140ish and will remain there for 10 days to 2 weeks - in trash cans along with a good fungal composition. some think this is a lot of work but my response to that is if you want a speedy pile it takes a little effort. i usually have finished material by the end of month 3 - in trash cans. my material is beautiful too and requires very little sifting - if any.
@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a i have my trash cans anchored to my back porch and extend across the back of my house, of course they can't be seen from the street heaven forbid, and they are attached to one another with bungee cords thru their handles. them suckers are heavy full and they aren't goin anywhere !!! i also use small bungee cords to keep the lids on and the critters out. not a thing is out of place, messy or cluttered.
I was given a tumbler and truly believe in composting. My problem is turning it. After filling I found it heavy to turn. (I'm an older gardener). Going to keep at it though. New here, will be back. Thanks 😊
Thanks for watching. They can get pretty heavy. Try adding more slowly and allow it to break down over time. That should make the weight more manageable but it will probably take a bit longer
Use gravity/leverage Grab tumbler with both hands shoulder width apart with a firm grip. . Stick your butt out like sitting in a chair and squat. Once you build some momentum you can pull your arms in a tad to finish the rotation if a full squat is troublesome for you.
I just bought the two chamber tumbler from your link. I want to be able to have the ability to have compost ready and still add waste. Maybe someday I’ll try two tumblers like you but this is a good start!
I started my tumbler a couple weeks ago and was startled by how much it looks like garbage after a week, flies and all. Thank you for reassuring me I don’t need precise measurements 😅 Do you recommend a shredder for the browns? I just ripped things up.
Diversity matters when it comes to size, too. Some people think that the more you chop up your food and yard waste, the better results you’ll have with your compost. While it’s true that cutting things up can accelerate decomposition, too much chopping can lead to a soupy, soggy pile. That’s because if you cut everything into tiny pieces, your pile will lack pore spaces for air, and air is crucial to the decomposition process.
My husband made a compost tumbler out of a black barrel.... it is too hard for me to turn on my own and so my compost doesn't really work... it is full of sow bugs... not rolly pollys but sow bugs and they devour the fresh stuff I put it there in no time at all.... I had to quit using the thing because those durn bugs started moving into my garden beds and started devouring my plants...😢😢 ....you see, my husband is cheap and refuses to buy a good tumbler..... I'm going to show him this video...TFS ❤❤❤
Lol, hope it helps. Mine are full of bugs too but I think the ability to turn it keeps the pile from getting infested. I mostly get worms and soldier fly larva.
Hi This is probably a weird comment for composters. I want to compost but I have a phobia of worms. I am researching composting without worms. How many are typically in the tumbler. Thanks
Ive had a tumbler in my garage for 1.5 years...it has soooooo many pieces to put together...I was hoping my husband would put it together...No luck yet 😂
Wow. Mine came in just 3 pieces. The barrel and the legs. I usually pull everything out into the living room. After I struggle for about an hour my husband takes over out of pity 🤣
Please help! Purchased immediately upon seeing your video, set up and there are holes in the sides, stuff (like coffee grounds) is coming out when I tumble, is this normal??
One day putting stuff in my regular compost pile and omg 2 RATS I hate rats they scare the mess out of me Since then I use a tumbler and another big pile that I keep covered with wood chips and dig holes in to add weeds and other greens I've also forgot my tumbler or it dries out and doing that it doesn't work as well - if I turn it several times a week and not let it dry out it it's quick doesn't smell and no scary creatures!!!
These things don't work very well because they simply don't hold enough material. I have one and I quit using it about a year ago and just put my compost in a big pile and it breaks down so much faster.
I put everything in that you shouldn’t 🤣 Onions, citrus, mail, non shredded cardboard. It all breaks down fine and I’ve never seen an issue in the garden.
Bad grass and rake up cut grass as needed no issue with brows and greens.. I’ll be honest this is a waste of time for homeowners based on what you get in return for the effort given.. On a farm I everything goes into a pile and then covered in soil and left untouched for a full season.. this included dead animals, animal waste etc everything. And you don’t are air it you let it go anaerobic.. The reason one brand of store bought compost costs $2 and another $12 is time invested.. that more expensive higher grade is because it took a year to make while that mostly wood ship compost is $2 cause it took 3 weeks to make.. It also takes a lot of heat for long periods to break things down properly.. if you are using a tumbler you shouldn’t be turning it more then once every week for best results.. you need days at high temps to break thing down properly.. Never used a tumbler but I say once everything is in it spray it with water make it splint wet for the humidity and then let it bake for at least a week before airating.. then add more water let it sit.. rinse and repeat..
Started my first compost pile two months ago. Today I noticed lot of maggots. It’s infested with maggots. I am thinking of throwing it tomorrow. Please provide suggestions. Thank you🙏🙏
@@lalithaganesan3372Once the larva matures they turn into flies or other insects and either fly away or are eaten by other insects inside the pile. Also the heat from the composting process usually kills anything left over. It’s definitely a bit of a surprise the first time but your garden will love you for it.
♻️ If a compost tumbler is right for you, check out this one 👉 amzn.to/3JrkQnh
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I have no clue why this video came across my timeline, but I’m watching it lol
Thanks so much for watching! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help
I think these are great for smaller gardens like myself, who just want a place to toss food scraps and sprinkle on the tops of your smaller beds. All I have is a 300 sq ft patio for my bay area townhouse, and these are perfect. I love the smell test idea for balancing the ratios.
Great video. When living close to neighbors (suburbs) or where rodents are prevalent, compost tumblers are a viable option and this video highlights the pros and cons nicely.
We have done geobins (tee posts with wire fencing as circles, fill it up), in-ground specially-built compost holder, Jora tumbler, and Vivosun tumbler. All work but depends on your circumstances!
Great points! You definitely have a lot of experience with these different ones. Each is useful. It just depends on your needs.
I brought a compost tumbler this summer and love it. I was using a trash can that I drilled a bunch of holes in to compost. Now I store my finished compost in my trash can that I use to top off my beds the compost is able to dry out a little more and it looks like the compost dirt I see in the compost videos I have watched. This allows me to continue composting in my tumbler. I purchased a dual chamber tumbler and I love it. I am trying to get away from having to buy fertilizers/soil/compost and just make my own.
Love that! I’ve started moving my compost to a bin to sit and dry out a bit too
Using it as a mulch layer is a great idea! I’m in Florida as well and my bin compost ends up the same as yours. Sometimes I just bury it in an unused bed to quicken the process since I’ve never been able to get that perfect composition.
I’m guessing it is because our humidity and rain keeps it too moist but it does an amazing job has a mulch layer! Burying it is a great idea too!
I tried burying but racooms seemed to have a feast with it.
Totally understand the overwhelming info about composting. I did the same researched a ton...then just started chucking stuff in a pile. I made columns out of cattle panels to create a neater 5ft pile/colum. Started tosding stuff in and has come out fine!
I’m a big fan of the “just chuck it in” method!
You’ve answered many questions that have been rolling around in my mind. I’ve been using a tumbler sine about May and it looks and smells ok so hoping it will work when I use it as a mulch layer for my next raised bed. You’ve inspired me to purchase a second tumbler bc I’ve wondered whether I should stop filling the original one and let it “cook” everything down before I use the contents. So I’m thinking if I start a second one I can do that and maybe always have one at the ready. Hope you are enjoying the trip. Be safe and keep on livin the d r e a m!
I really love having two. It feels more productive to me. Ones working and the other is filling. It makes the time it takes seem a lot shorter too since they are staggered. Hope you enjoy!
I do both. I shred all cardboard boxes, (not the coated ones) toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and all it’s just too much for tumblers. Could be I have a problem with Amazon shopping too! 😂
But I encourage all my neighbors to bring me theirs instead of it going to recycling when lord know what really happens to it.
I have a bit of an Amazon addiction too 🤣
Thank you for the one! Perfect timing. I just got one of those for my birthday and I'm excited about it but I've been stuck, not sure what to do 😮.
I'm just going to chuck stuff in!😂😂
Yes! Just chuck stuff in. Happy birthday!
I live in Tampa Bay and have 4 composters. In order to avoid getting the rain in and turn my compost soggy, I place a plastic bag on top of each composter and a couple of bricks as weights. If the rain and wind is not too heavy usually the bags stay in place. It's a little more tedious and sometimes you have to rearrange them but it's been a game changer.
Great tips!
This video answered all my questions about the compost tumbler and composting. It was very relatable as far as the questions that I had. Thank you so much, and great job!!
Great to hear! I’m so glad you liked it.
Probably use one to fully decompose after 30 days one you don’t touch and switch off or even 15 days after
This was the first video I watch on tumblers cuz I failed at a pile for all the reasons you mentioned plus my back can’t handle stooping over and turning with a shovel or pitch fork. Your video was perfect, great presentation I don’t have to watch anymore videos! I’m going with tumblers 🙏🏼😘
Glad I could help!
actually, a hot pile can be achieved in a tumbler or in my case a trash can. i am forced to compost in trash cans due to hoa. i check temps regularly, every time i go to water the garden, and in my 20 gallon trash cans, i have 9 now, if the temp is below 100 i mix/stir/turn adding drunk compost, layer crumbles, rice, biochar, if i have some that needs inoculating & alfalfa while doing so. temps usually within a couple of hours are back up to 140ish and will remain there for 10 days to 2 weeks - in trash cans along with a good fungal composition. some think this is a lot of work but my response to that is if you want a speedy pile it takes a little effort. i usually have finished material by the end of month 3 - in trash cans. my material is beautiful too and requires very little sifting - if any.
Great suggestion! I’ve been considering doing the trash can thing too.
@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a i have my trash cans anchored to my back porch and extend across the back of my house, of course they can't be seen from the street heaven forbid, and they are attached to one another with bungee cords thru their handles. them suckers are heavy full and they aren't goin anywhere !!! i also use small bungee cords to keep the lids on and the critters out. not a thing is out of place, messy or cluttered.
I was given a tumbler and truly believe in composting. My problem is turning it. After filling I found it heavy to turn. (I'm an older gardener). Going to keep at it though. New here, will be back. Thanks 😊
Thanks for watching. They can get pretty heavy. Try adding more slowly and allow it to break down over time. That should make the weight more manageable but it will probably take a bit longer
Use gravity/leverage
Grab tumbler with both hands shoulder width apart with a firm grip. . Stick your butt out like sitting in a chair and squat. Once you build some momentum you can pull your arms in a tad to finish the rotation if a full squat is troublesome for you.
I just bought the two chamber tumbler from your link. I want to be able to have the ability to have compost ready and still add waste. Maybe someday I’ll try two tumblers like you but this is a good start!
It’s a great start!
I love my compost tumbler. It's easy to turn even when heavy.
I totally agree 👍
Great info! I wonder how much faster your results would be with turning several times a week.
I might try that and see if it speeds things up.
I started my tumbler a couple weeks ago and was startled by how much it looks like garbage after a week, flies and all. Thank you for reassuring me I don’t need precise measurements 😅 Do you recommend a shredder for the browns? I just ripped things up.
Haha. Using a shredder will break things down faster but tearing it up works too
I just love your presentation style. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I’ve learned a lot from your videos.
You are so nice! Thank you for the encouragement
Ok, I love your honesty!!! I've started with Cigar ashes and leftovers...
Haha. Love it
Very helpful ... thanks for sharing your experience composting!
Glad it was helpful!
Diversity matters when it comes to size, too. Some people think that the more you chop up your food and yard waste, the better results you’ll have with your compost. While it’s true that cutting things up can accelerate decomposition, too much chopping can lead to a soupy, soggy pile. That’s because if you cut everything into tiny pieces, your pile will lack pore spaces for air, and air is crucial to the decomposition process.
That’s a great point. I’m super lazy with mine. I’ve throwing whole watermelons that went bad in there.
My husband made a compost tumbler out of a black barrel.... it is too hard for me to turn on my own and so my compost doesn't really work... it is full of sow bugs... not rolly pollys but sow bugs and they devour the fresh stuff I put it there in no time at all.... I had to quit using the thing because those durn bugs started moving into my garden beds and started devouring my plants...😢😢 ....you see, my husband is cheap and refuses to buy a good tumbler..... I'm going to show him this video...TFS ❤❤❤
Lol, hope it helps. Mine are full of bugs too but I think the ability to turn it keeps the pile from getting infested. I mostly get worms and soldier fly larva.
Yay for homegrown!!!
😍
Neat explanation. Thumbs up from Canada.
Thanks for watching!
Very informative. How long, on average, does the pile take to compose?
About 4-6 months. Longer if you live in a colder climate
Great video. Learned a ton
Glad to hear it!
Hi This is probably a weird comment for composters. I want to compost but I have a phobia of worms. I am researching composting without worms. How many are typically in the tumbler. Thanks
Usually there are a lot. Or there are other types of bugs. The good news is that once it’s done, typically there are very few.
So can I put my cow manure that’s mixed with compost to the compost tumbler with the worms
Yes absolutely
Ive had a tumbler in my garage for 1.5 years...it has soooooo many pieces to put together...I was hoping my husband would put it together...No luck yet 😂
Wow. Mine came in just 3 pieces. The barrel and the legs. I usually pull everything out into the living room. After I struggle for about an hour my husband takes over out of pity 🤣
How much time should it? Also, how do you know when it’s time to stop putting stuff in there?
About 4-6 months depending on how cold/warm it is. I stop filling it once I’ve filled it up and let it break down and fill again about three times
Please help! Purchased immediately upon seeing your video, set up and there are holes in the sides, stuff (like coffee grounds) is coming out when I tumble, is this normal??
Yes, totally normal. Add a little water inside and that will help things clump together a bit better.
New subscription from 🏴
Thanks for the sub!
@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a your welcome
One day putting stuff in my regular compost pile and omg 2 RATS
I hate rats they scare the mess out of me
Since then I use a tumbler and another big pile that I keep covered with wood chips and dig holes in to add weeds and other greens
I've also forgot my tumbler or it dries out and doing that it doesn't work as well - if I turn it several times a week and not let it dry out it it's quick doesn't smell and no scary creatures!!!
I set a reminder on my phone to turn it twice a week and it breaks down so fast that way.
These things don't work very well because they simply don't hold enough material. I have one and I quit using it about a year ago and just put my compost in a big pile and it breaks down so much faster.
❤❤❤❤❤
Do you put onions in? Have heard so many contradictory answers.
I put everything in that you shouldn’t 🤣 Onions, citrus, mail, non shredded cardboard. It all breaks down fine and I’ve never seen an issue in the garden.
Is using compost tumbler helps not attracting rodents especially roaches. That’s what stopping me composting.
Any kind of compost will bring in insects, like roaches but the tumbler keeps out things like rodents.
Bad grass and rake up cut grass as needed no issue with brows and greens..
I’ll be honest this is a waste of time for homeowners based on what you get in return for the effort given..
On a farm I everything goes into a pile and then covered in soil and left untouched for a full season.. this included dead animals, animal waste etc everything. And you don’t are air it you let it go anaerobic..
The reason one brand of store bought compost costs $2 and another $12 is time invested.. that more expensive higher grade is because it took a year to make while that mostly wood ship compost is $2 cause it took 3 weeks to make..
It also takes a lot of heat for long periods to break things down properly.. if you are using a tumbler you shouldn’t be turning it more then once every week for best results.. you need days at high temps to break thing down properly..
Never used a tumbler but I say once everything is in it spray it with water make it splint wet for the humidity and then let it bake for at least a week before airating.. then add more water let it sit.. rinse and repeat..
it will break down, and settle on the bottom...bottom heavy, you won't be able to turn it.
I have worms 🪱 mine .
Yay! Worms are great
Started my first compost pile two months ago. Today I noticed lot of maggots. It’s infested with maggots. I am thinking of throwing it tomorrow. Please provide suggestions. Thank you🙏🙏
@@lalithaganesan3372 maggots are totally normal in compost. They help break down the materials.
@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I didn’t know that. I was thinking compost containing their eggs might create more problems for the plants. Thank you🙏🙏
@@lalithaganesan3372Once the larva matures they turn into flies or other insects and either fly away or are eaten by other insects inside the pile. Also the heat from the composting process usually kills anything left over. It’s definitely a bit of a surprise the first time but your garden will love you for it.
XD lmaoooo