How to Build a Home Compost Tumbler

Build a compost tumbler to turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into fertile soil

Backyard compost heaps may provide rich, nourishing soil for your gardens, but they require tedious turning, digging, and checking. They are also unsightly and smelly at times. Avoid these problems and reduce the time it takes to get quality compost when you build a home compost tumbler.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic barrel Tape measure Four 2 inch by 4 inch treated lumber boards (8 feet long) Galvanized metal fence pole 1/2-inch metal rebar pin Nails Drill and large drill bit Electric saw Small hinges and hardware (galvanized) Small hasp and hardware (galvanized) Black and dark green spray paint (optional)

Instructions

Build a Home Compost Tumbler

1. Measure to find the exact center of both ends of the plastic drum you will use for your home compost tumbler. Drill holes large enough on both ends to fit the metal pole through. If you do not have a drill bit large enough to make the holes, drill a start hole and use a reciprocating saw or hand saw to make the holes larger. Try to make them mostly round for ease of turning the compost barrel. Drill small holes, scattered across the barrel surfaces for drainage and aeration.

2. Cut a rectangular opening in the side of the plastic barrel with a circular or other electric saw. You can use a hacksaw, if you don't have an electric one. Cut the piece of plastic out completely, and keep the piece you have removed. The hole should be large enough to fit a standard shovel to make it easier to add and take compost out of the barrel.

3. Drill holes for the screws for the hinges and hasp hardware at the top and bottom of the plastic rectangle cut from the barrel and the barrel itself. Attach the hinges to the top side of the barrel and the hasp to the bottom, using the nuts and bolts included with the hardware. These should be galvanized or treated in some way to extend their life outside. Connect the door to the barrel compost bin and close it with the hasp.

4. Cut the two 2 inch by 4 inch treated boards in half after measuring them carefully, to make four boards, each 4 feet long. Nail each pair into a tall X-shape for the sides of the home compost tumbler stand. Cut two more inch by 4 inch treated boards to 4 feet lengths and nail them to attach the two X-shaped pieces together. One board should be on either side at the very bottom of the two X's and another should join them together just under the cross in the middle. These pieces will stabilize the stand for your barrel composter.

5. Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the metal fence pole on one end. Push the metal rebar pin through this hole. This will form a handle to turn the compost barrel. You can put a handle like this on both sides if you wish to turn the composter with two people.

6. Spray paint the entire barrel and wooden base with black or dark green paint, if you desire. The dark color will also help increase the heat to break down the compost when the composter is placed in the sun. Allow this to dry completely before use. Then, lay the sticking out ends of the metal pipe onto the crosses in the wooden barrel compost bin base and place the home compost tumbler in its final location outside. It is now ready for use turning yard waste and kitchen scraps into dark, rich loam.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the compost moist for maximum effectiveness.

• Turn the compost bin frequently to prevent overheating.