Compost Tumblers

What are Compost Tumblers?

So what’s all the talk about compost tumblers vesus the traditional composting bin, compost barrels, or compost open piles? Afterall, if we can get the nutrient-rich “black gold” quality of compost, why should we shell out the extra dough?

A compost tumbler is basically a drum or barrel that is placed on a stand fitted with  a crank, allowing you to roll the compost around.  This is done periodically similar to what is done with a pile.  What’s neat is, the composting materials are all contained so the entire process is kept tidy. This would certainly appeal to city dwellers, folks in urban and subrurban areas where space is an issue.  Regardless, these drums can be heavy and difficult to move around.

There are four categories to choose from:

1. Center-axel drum - this is a vertically mounted drum that has a center axis which allows for spinning, nothing more.
2. Crank operated drum- looks like a regular drum placed horizontally. A crank is provided for the turning the drum.
3. Base rolling drum- simple drum that literally rolls on the ground.
4. Roll around Spheres - similar to the base rolling but spherical in shape.

Do these tumblers work?

Most manufacturers suggest 14 days is all you really need for compost to develop.  In our tests, it’s more like 10-11 weeks. Time-wise, there is no real advantage despite having better control of moisture in the compost tumblers.  If you’re on a budget, you have patience to wait, stick with the traditional composting piles, or even compost bins.  The compost tumblers are really not necessary in your garden. Many are quite expensive, depending on what models you choose.

Compost Tea Preparations

Supplies needed to prepare compost tea:

1. Four gallons of non-chlorinated water. If you are using tap water, run pump and aerator for at least 2-3 hours to get rid of the chlorine.

2. One gallon of finished compost.

3. 1 5-gallon bucket.

4. 1 aquarium pump.

5. 1 gang valve to divide the air supply into many streams.

6. Unsulfured molasses.

7. 5 feet of aquarium hoses and three air stones.

Cut 3 pieces of hose at least 12 inches long. Attach the air stones to one end and attach the other end to the gang valve for each hose. Attach the remaining hose to the pump and also to the supply end of  the gang valve. Place gang valve onto the bucket and set air stones to the bottom of the bucket.  Should look like this:

Pour the 4 gallons of water into bucket, followed by the compost and 2 oz of molasses. Mix thoroughly and start pump. Aerate 12 to 24 hours as needed and then apply to plants and vegetables immediately.

Caution: If compost mixture smells awful, it means that the mixture is not getting enough air circulating through it. Â Increase the air supply and the smell should go away. If the awful smell does not, do not use this mixture. Repeat the process using a better air supplier.

Benefits of Compost Teas

The benefits of compost tea are tremendous:

When applied properly, they enhance the amount of nutrients available to plants, vegetables, grass etc.

They act as natural inoculants consuming plant pathogens and suppress many plant-infected diseases.

They emit natural enzymes and antibiotics that kill off many unhealthy microorganisms.

They reduce or eliminate the dangerous use of pesticides and herbicides to get rid of pests.

They promote the continuous revitalization of the soil’s natural biological processes.

They help control various mildews, molds, blights and wilt diseases.

Application

Finished Compost teas can be applied to vegetables, plants, trees, grass etc preferably almost immediately for best results since they only have a shelf life of 18 to 24 hours. It is advisable to match the different types of microbes to the appropriate plants to which they are applied for the best results. Bacterial microbes are most effective when applied to vegetables; grass turf and row crops, Fungal microbes for trees and shrubs and a blend of the two microbes are best for perennials. Composted teas can be used both as a foliar spray and as a soil drench.

Side By Side Comparison

Shown below is a side by side comparisons of plants treated with and without compost tea. Guess which was not treated with the brew!

Beautiful Flowers Abound

Feed the Soil…

Black dirt is an excellent indication of rich soil.  The soil sample shown here demonstrates the richness in soil treated with compost tea.

Next Page »