mikevan

A lot of gardeners on another list I participate in use tumblers and seem satisfied with them. Me? I prefer the good ol' method of making a pile. Takes longer, I guess, but it's free. Additionally, I only make a pile for compost I use in my containers - the rest goes into sheet-composting directly where the inground plants grow. I believe they get a higher benefit from this than pre-made compost since the process of composting itself releases nutrients that will leech down into the soil where the plants happily feed. Additionally, a compost pile and sheet compost make use of a more diverse range of decomposers than a tumbler - possibly making for a richer compost, tho that's just a guess. Either way - compost is better than no compost! If you don't wish to make a pile - which can get a bit messy, then get the tumbler - and get to composting!

Don't forget to sheet compost tho - layer on greens and browns directly in the beds 12" thick or more (it'll settle down) and let the composting begin. I used to keep it pulled away from my nanner pseudostems fearing rot - but now I don't bother - the nanners don't seem to mind. Nor does my taro. Your mileage may vary tho so keep an eye out and if you see any rot, create a space around the stems of your plants so more air circulation can get to them.

Be well,
Mike