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Composters

A first question already!
I have been looking to purchase a composter. I produce a LOT of kitchen scraps and my worm farm can't handle them all.

The two composters I've looked at on line are the Compostumbler view link
and the Tumbleweed view link
They vary vastly in price, but because the tumbleweed is a batch composter, I would probably need to get two.

Would love hearing from those who have composters about the pros and cons of various models, and what I should be looking for. I won't be getting it until Springtime, as it will be too cold to compost during the winter anyway.

Thanks!!
Levamssg's profile
posted by Levamssg
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i made a compost tumbler a few years ago, when i lived in a developement, and it worked good. but eventually i just went with the box in the corner. no timing, no tumbling. just add to the top and take out of the bottom.

i made an open box, but i set a frame in the center with hardware cloth. about 2/3rds the way down. all year i added stuff to it on top. in the spring i banged the box a bit with a hammer and scooped up the soil from the bottom. (o did i say i added a door at the bottom?) no turning, no fuss. good stuff. made it out of scrap wood, and bought the hardware cloth. whole thing must have cost me $5.

if you have critters you can add a hardware cloth lid, which keeps them out, but allows the nature in.

hope it helps
hippiemama's profile
posted by hippiemama
about 1 month ago
The tumbler style composters can get really heavy to turn so keep that in mind if you are going to be the one doing it. I have two different bins but my favorite is the 3 tiered stacking kind:

view link

It makes it easy to turn the whole pile. You can take the top section off and move everything over a section at a time.
Kaytime's profile
posted by Kaytime
about 1 month ago
If you are tight for $$, you don't need anything fancy at all. See and search some of the past messages about compost. Just makes sure your "scraps" are buried deep in the pile, and don't use dairy, bones, or fats - just veggie matter, leaves, etc.
pcalenda's profile
posted by pcalenda
about 1 month ago
I use 2-30 gallon garbage pails with air holes drilled in the sides. As the leaves, etc. get close to ready I just shovel it into the other barrel and start all over again.
assman's profile
posted by assman
18 days ago
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