MediaHound

Anyone have any experience with a compost tumbler?
I'm considering getting one of these:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/tumbler.html

Anyone have any useful feedback about using one of these vs. setting up a compost pile on the ground?
Mind you, I'm in South Florida. It's hot and rainy here.
After doing research on several sites, I think this is the way to go.

Anyone here using a compost tumbler?
:2780:

Thanks!

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jeffreyp

You can do the same thing with a plastic garbage can and drill a bunch of holes in the sides for ALOT less..

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

momoese

An old coworker of mine had one and loved it. What you really need is two of them, one for collecting and one for finishing. They are quick to make compost, easy to use, and up off the ground so you don't have to break your back. If you consistently have truck loads of stuff to compost a pile might work better for you.

I have a stationary bin that works well but is a real work out to mix in the new trimmings. I have this long aluminum rod with a bent handle on the top, and a self folding anchor looking deal on the bottom. The idea is that it folds up when you push it through the pile, then opens and grabs the stuff at the bottom and pulls it to the top. It's a lot of work!

Edit, the one my coworker had was different from the one in the link you provided. His was sideways and had a hinged door to add or remove the contents. I think it had a handle on the end to help turn the barrel.

jeffreyp

I have a large established compost pile that that I started a couple years ago. I used to just haul off all the dead banana leaves and trunks for trash pickup. Now all my dead banana trunks, small tree branches, clippings and dead leaves go there. It's amazing how quickly things break down and the compost really helps nourish the soil. Composting is great for the environment and it is the best thing you can do to help your plants.

MediaHound

Thanks for the comments, guys.
I've seen the one with the oil-barrel looking bin suspended with a crank and gear welded to it. I dont know how long that would last with the rain we have here.
I think two would be a good idea, as well. I was thinking along the same lines.
This way, I wont be adding fresh material to it when it's ready to be emptied out.
I'm not looking to make a homemade device. I would rather spend a little dough and get a professional 'machine' (or two), something a little more presentable.
One of the reasons I'm opting for the tumbler is to avoid using an aerator stick and having to turn it all by hand. Like you say, Mitchel, thats a lot of back-breaking work (I have a good back, but still..).

Another reason I like the tumbler is because this way I dont need to dedicate ten square feet of precious land away from the house, this bad boy can go anywhere, is portable, and takes up less space.

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Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.