Turning a compost heap is one of the most physically demanding aspects of making compost on a medium or large scale. Turning the pile introduces oxygen into the center of the compost, speeding decomposition (see References 1). Tumbling composters consist of a rotating drum with a handle on a raised frame. The drum has a hinged door for adding composting materials and water, and holes to let air in. By using a tumbling composter, you can turn the materials as often as you like without straining yourself (see References 2).
Stockpile approximately equal amounts of brown organic matter like dry leaves, wood chips and cardboard, and green organic matter like grass trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps (see References 1). Store the materials in a pile or in bins or other containers until you have enough to fill your tumbling composter, leaving a bit of space for air (see References 2, page 2).
Shred or chip any large branches or cardboard pieces. Dump the accumulated organic wastes into the open door of the tumbler. Add enough water to the tumbler as you fill it to make the material evenly moist, but not soggy (see References 1).
Add a shovelful of dirt or finished compost to the tumbler. While not mandatory, adding these materials inoculates the tumbler with microorganisms beneficial to the composting process (see References 2, page 2).
Turn the handle to rotate the tumbler a full turn every day. Finish with the tumbler door near the top, so you can open it without compost falling out.
Open the door and check the moisture content of the developing compost. It should feel like a damp sponge. If it gets too dry, add water and close the door.
Place a container under the tumbler when the compost is uniformly brown, crumbly and earth-like. Rotate it so that the door is facing down, open the door and let the compost fall into your storage container so you can transport it to wherever you intend to use it.
Things You Will Need
- Brown organic matter
- Green organic matter
- Storage bins or containers
- Chipper shredder (optional)
- If you turn the compost daily and keep the moisture level correct, the compost will be ready in as little as two weeks. Less than ideal conditions can result in much longer composting times, however (see References 1).
- If nothing seems to be happening inside the tumbler after a week or so, nitrogen levels may be too low (see References 3). Add more green material, or measure in a cup or two of nitrogen fertilizer.
- If the developing compost smells like ammonia, nitrogen levels are too high (see References 3). Add additional brown material to balance the pile.