How to Make a Tumbler Compost Bin
A tumbler compost bin is a cheap and easy way to make fantastic compost that is ready to use in just 2 weeks time. Compost tumblers allow for easy aeration and create dark, rich, compost that will help your garden grow the best vegetables, flowers, herbs, houseplants, etc. in no time at all. The only thing required is a few turns a day. This is the most active way to compost. Commercial compost tumblers can be expensive so you may be interested in building your own in less than an hour.
Here's how to make a tumbler compost bin:
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Things You'll Need
- 30-55 Gallon Food Grade Plastic Drum
- Drill
- 1/2-3/4 inch drill bit
- 2 hinges
- Latch
Instructions
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1
Purchase the supplies either online or at the local hardware store. See the "Things You'll Need" section to the right. Try and get a "food grade" barrel to use as your tumbler compost bin.
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2
Cut a rectangular shaped hole in the side of the barrel which is about 1 ft tall by 1.5 feet long. This is the hole in which you will add all of your food scraps, manure, etc.
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3
Reconnect the piece of the compost bin that you just cut off in the previous step using hinges on one side of the opening. Add a latch to the other side to secure it properly.
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4
Drill numerous holes throughout the entire compost tumbler. These will allow for air circulation and encourage microorganisms to enter and start breaking down the material.
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You can also add spikes to your tumbler compost bin. You can make these out of whatever material you like. Spikes fastened to the interior of your tumbler will help to break up the larger material and increase aeration when you roll the tumbler around.
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Fill your compost tumbler bin with a wide variety of organic matter such as vegetable and fruit scraps, leaves, lawn clippings, manure, and even newspaper. Avoid overfilling your compost bin since you want the compost to be able to move around inside.
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7
Add water to the tumbler compost bin to make the compost damp, not soaking. It should be the consistency of a well-wrung out sponge.
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Start rolling! Roll your tumbler compost bin on the ground to mix it up. You only need to roll it every couple of days to mix up the contents
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Tips & Warnings
You can build a support for your tumbler compost bin if you like out of the 2x4s and nails. Look on Google Images to get some ideas. Leaving the bin on the ground however will allow more microorganisms to enter easily for quicker breakdown of the compost.
