COMPOSTING INFORMATION AND TIPS!

The Tumbling Composter contains a mechanism with rods or fins that mixes and breaks up larger clusters to activate and “fasten” the decomposing process. Such composters are able to reach a temperature of more than 140°. In order for compost to be efficient, it requires a correct mixture ratio of “brown” (carbon) and “green” (nitrogen) materials (see LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST). Water should be added only when necessary and the tumbler should be turned every other day or so to keep all ingredients, microorganisms, and moisture evenly distributed. Within a few weeks, your Tumbling Composter will transform your scraps into this natural fertilizer named compost.

COMPOST CAN BE PRODUCED WITH YOUR TUMBLER IN TWO DIFFERENT PROCESSES:

1. The best method: Produce compost in batches, loading up the tumbler until full, and leave it to break down until When running two tumblers simultaneously, one can start adding waste to the second tumbler and wait for the first to complete its decomposing process. Refraining from adding more materials to the current batch of working compost will ensure better results. A batch with new waste materials can then be started when the first is completed.
2. Another method is continuous composting, where one adds more and more material, mixing fresh waste into the decomposing When choosing this method with the tumbler, one should stop adding when the tumbler is almost full, and let the contents decompose. Once this batch is completed you can start the entire process again.

LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST

Decomposing Process – When trying the process for the first time, it may be surprising how many small creatures are participating in decomposition. This mixture of creatures, which include many insects, bugs, slugs, bacteria, and mushrooms, form what is called a “food web.” Adding a small quantity of soil to this mixture can be used to start the process. The creatures in the soil will actually contribute and speed up decomposition.

Each and every member of the food web has its own contribution to your compost and it must be left alone to do its job. If any of the member organisms is removed by using agents such as pesticides, the natural cycle will be disturbed and the compost will be infected by pesticides.

Ingredients – Basic ingredients for composting are: nitrogen, carbon, water and air. Water and air should be readily available. Providing the remaining ingredients is somewhat more complicated. They are actually referred to as “greens” and “browns” (not meaning the color but green = rich in nitrogen, and brown = rich in carbon). The “green” ingredients represent the protein for the active creatures, and the “brown” ingredients supplying the energy. Any plant in your garden can be used to “feed” these creatures. The Tumbling Composter should simply be filled with these ingredients and mixed. Water must be added separately and the composter must be tumbled to add air. The composter should then be left alone to let the decomposing process take place.

Nitrogen / Carbon Ratio – The ideal mix is 3/4 “brown” and 1/4 “green” ingredients by volume. Such a mixture of “brown” and “green” ingredients will ensure that the mass maintains the appropriate quantity of humidity and air, and hastens the decomposing process. An increased amount of nitrogen will generate a heavy mass, which will slow down the decomposing process. Then may be the right time to add more “brown” ingredients!

Nitrogen – “Green” ingredients range from lawn clippings and green leaves to manures and garden trimmings and are all ideal sources of nitrogen for composting. The same can be said of kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit leftovers, which also generate nitrogen. Kitchen waste can be kept in a plastic container under the sink and should be cut up into smaller pieces before adding them to the composter.

Carbon – “Brown” garden ingredients such as dry leaves, twigs, or hay provide the carbon part of the mixture and will ensure a lighter and aerated compost. Carbon is best provided by using dry leaves. Dry leaves can be collected, shredded, and stored to be used all year round. If the mixture gets too wet or contains too much nitrogen, add dry leaves. (Refer to BASIC NITROGEN / CARBON CHART for more detailed information).

Water – Neglecting humidity is a common mistake made during the composting process. The compost should remain humid throughout the process. About 50% humidity is acceptable. How can we make sure that such levels are achieved? One can simply open the compost tumbler, grab and squeeze a handful of material in your hand; if a few drops of water are released, it is probably humid enough, if not, water should be added by inserting a hose deep into the mixture so that not just the upper layer will get wet. Let excess water drain out through the ventilation bores. The mixture should remain humid, but not wet.

Air – All creatures and mushrooms in the compost mixture need oxygen during the process. If the mixture is too dense or gets too humid, the air supply into the mixture is cut off and the laboring creatures will probably be exterminated. The process will slow down and a nauseating stink will start. To prevent this and hasten the process, the tumbler must be rotated every second day or so. This would also be a good time to add shredded leaves from the stockpile. Preventing moisture can also be achieved by opening the composter lid for a few hours.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes during the process, you will learn from experience. It would be a good idea to write down these experiences and keep some records; they might come in useful in the end! Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING for more detailed information.

NOTE: The decomposing process has a lot to do with the surface area the tiny creatures have to operate on. The best results are achieved when individual pieces in the decomposing mixture are kept small. So, cut or shred larger ingredients into smaller pieces. A lawn mower can be used to shred dry leaves when no shredder is available.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

LOCATION FOR YOUR TUMBLING COMPOSTER

Choose a flat, level surface convenient to your source materials (kitchen scraps, lawn clippings, garden, etc.)

Since microbes work best at elevated temperatures, temperature is key to the breakdown of compost. Although microbes generate their own heat as they work, you can help keep them warm by positioning the Compost Tumbler out of excessive wind and in full sunlight. In hotter areas of the country a shady location may work as well. The fastest decomposition occurs between 140°F (60°C) and 160°F (71°C), but some breakdown will occur as long as the compost is kept above freezing.

WINTER – Since the Composter is portable, it can be moved (even when full) by one or two people to convenient locations. In winter, place it by your back door to avoid a long walk to recycle kitchen scraps. Although the microbes stop working when the batch freezes, freezing breaks down fibers in organic material, thus speeding up decomposition in spring. In winter, do not turn the unit, but keep adding waste. When spring arrives and the material defrosts, tumble and begin adding materials in the correct portions. You may find you need to add a lot of carbon material to achieve the correct ratio, so do not overfill the Tumbling Composter during winter.

If you do not use the Tumbling Composter in winter, move it to a location sheltered from high winds and snow. Ideally, it should be stored in a garage or shed.