Garden Myth Compost tumblers make compost in two weeks

Garden Myth: Compost tumblers make compost in two weeks

Turning most tumblers is easier than turning a compost pile. ...
Since the tumbler is a closed system, rodents and other animals will not be a problem.
Some people feel it looks better, but a big blue barrel is not exactly pretty!
It may produce fewer odors, if the ratio of greens to browns is correct.

How long does it take to make compost in a tumbler?
How often should I turn my compost tumbler?
How can I make my garden compost faster?
Are compost tumblers worth it?
Can I put banana peels in my compost?
What is the best compost activator?
How do you know compost is ready?
How long does it take for compost to break down?
Is it bad to turn compost daily?
Can you turn compost tumbler too much?
Can I tumble my compost too much?

How long does it take to make compost in a tumbler?

Under ideal conditions, you can convert waste to finished home compost in as little as three weeks in a sealed compost tumbler.

How often should I turn my compost tumbler?

That being said, a good rule of thumb is to turn a compost tumbler every three to four days and the compost pile every three to seven days. As your compost matures, you can turn the tumbler or pile less frequently.

How can I make my garden compost faster?

Shredded sticks and other dried material like wood chips and corn stalks will help your compost develop quickly by aiding aeration but may not decompose completely themselves. Don't wait for them to finish. Use a screen to separate compost that's crumbly and ready for the garden from these other materials.

Are compost tumblers worth it?

A decent tumbler makes turning easier, but if you want compost quickly and are happy to do the work, it appears that you might as well stick with a standard compost heap or bin, as long as it's easy to access the compost to turn it. It's considerably cheaper and gives you more exercise.

Can I put banana peels in my compost?

Composting banana peels is as easy as simply tossing your leftover banana peels into the compost. You can toss them in whole, but be aware that they may take longer to compost this way. ... While, yes, you can use banana peels as fertilizer and it will not harm your plant, it is best to compost them first.

What is the best compost activator?

Suitable greens will have a high nitrogen value and be 'easy' for the composting microbes to breakdown. The “natural” activators include: Green Plants, e.g. comfrey, clover, grass clippings, nettles, or alfalfa.

How do you know compost is ready?

Compost is ready or finished when it looks, feels and smells like rich, dark earth rather than rotting vegetables. In other words, it should be dark brown, crumbly and smell like earth.

How long does it take for compost to break down?

Depending on the size of your compost pile, what you put in it, and how you tend to it, this process can take three months to two years. With a Compost Aerator, it's easier to add air to the pile. Aeration gives oxygen-hungry microbes what they need to break down materials faster.

Is it bad to turn compost daily?

Turning too often (every day) disrupts the formation of the fungi and actinomycetes that do much of the composting work and may prevent the pile from heating up completely. For the fastest, most efficient decomposition, a pile should be left essentially alone to “cook” until it starts to cool.

Can you turn compost tumbler too much?

You cannot turn it too often. Make sure you do a good job each time, or anaerobic decomposition will start messing with the process. The mix will heat up rapidly, unless the temperature is far below freezing.

Can I tumble my compost too much?

Compost tends to become compacted as it forms. Several good turns will assure that your compost has been well broken up and mixed with air. This should be done a minimum of twice a week and three or four times a week isn't too much.