Are compost tumblers any good?
Compost tumblers offer several advantages over traditional compost bins: Easy Turning: Tumblers are designed to make turning the compost easy. Simply rotate the drum a few times each week to aerate the contents. This is much easier than turning a traditional compost heap with a fork! Compost tumblers can be more efficient. They are designed to rotate, which helps to break down food scraps and other organic materials more quickly. Compost tumblers may work better for a smaller outdoor space, or residents who produce less food waste.Cover the compost tumbler: Ensure your compost tumbler has a tight-fitting lid or cover to prevent flies from entering. This will also help contain odors and keep the composting process contained. Avoid adding certain items: Some kitchen scraps may attract flies more than others.
What is the laziest way to compost?
Every time you’re gardening, just drop anything you pull, trim or cut on the ground. Coined by Robert Pavlis in Compost Science for Gardeners, this really has to be the easiest method. You drop the waste on the ground, and eventually, it will decompose. It’s all very natural. Avoid citrus fruits, odorous foods like onions and garlic, meat, dairy products, greasy foods, bones, and pet waste. Chop up scraps into small pieces before adding them to the bin to allow for faster decomposition.Use Compostable Materials: Include only materials that can safely decompose in your compost pile. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste, as these can attract pests, cause odors, and introduce pathogens that are harmful to plants and humans.
What is the disadvantage of a compost tumbler?
Tumblers require Irregular turning may cause clumping of contents into a big blob, making it extremely difficult to turn and empty. Double ones can be purchased so you can rotate filling them and resting one. Pros of a Compost Tumbler Easier maintenance – turning your compost is often considered easier than having to manually aerate the compost pile. Fast – most compost tumblers are sealed, which can speed up the composting process. This often makes it faster than a traditional compost bin.Frequent turning of the tumbler ensures adequate oxygen supply for the microorganisms, promoting faster decomposition. It is recommended that you turn the tumbler a few times each time you add material and several times a week. The correct moisture level is crucial for optimal decomposition.
Should a compost tumbler be in sun or shade?
Too much heat can quickly dry out the compost and kill off the vital microorganisms needed for decomposition. To avoid these issues, choose a partially shaded area that allows for some sunlight while protecting the compost tumbler from overheating. As more surface area is exposed, the decomposition process speeds up which generates more heat. Have odor issues with your compost? You may find that adding coffee grounds helps: the additional heat helps break down intermediate components created by the composting process more quickly.