Winter Tumbler Composting - Yes You Can!
pbleic
14 years ago
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Lloyd
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agopbleic
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
does a compost tumbler work in the winter
Comments (15)How quickly any compost will freeze depends on how much moisture is in the mix and what the average temperatures are and how long the average temperature has been where its at. Unless your average temperatures are below freezing (actual not perceived), ie. if the average temperature around your compost is above 33 degrees that compost will not freeze. To an extent you can keep the activity going with some Nitrogen but if the C:N ratio gets too far out of wack there is no real benefit, adn if there is too much moisture in the mix the added N will be of no benefit anyway. If your compost is chugging alone really well when the average temperatures drop to freeezing or below it will take some time for those temperatures to affect your compost, but if the digestion process has slowed down by then your compost wil freeze quicker. If your compost bin has all sides exposed to the the weather it will freeze quicker that a compost pile on the ground and somewhat more protected from the temperatures, the more exposed your compost is the faster it will react with the temperatures. Simple physics. A bridge deck freezes quicker than the other road surface for the same reason....See Morehow would you make a tumbler composter out of a dryer???
Comments (3)I think you're looking at the wrong appliance. I don't see the problem with the new, front loading super-efficient washing machines. In fact, they're just the ticket for composting cotton clothes. I can say with some authority, having witnessed a week long trial involving teenage son, damp clothes, and forgetfulness....See MoreCompost tumbler 'juice'-where can I put it now?
Comments (2)It's a tumbler on a raised reservoir designed to catch any runoff. I add liquids from the kitchen, and water once a month. Between that and what naturally occurs as the mix decomposes I got a few gallons in about a year that I've used it (didn't cap the reservoir, so there was likely evaporation). I just didn't want to feed the wrong thing this fall. Here is a link that might be useful: Pic on left...See Morecompost tumbler - using a metal garbage can
Comments (5)I used a contractor's black plastic trash bag. Poked some holes. My intention was to be able to roll it around often. I let it sit for months in actuality. It did make compost, which I used in planting. I had mine in the shade -- the sun might have "cooked" things faster, but I don't have any inconspicuous space int he sun. I live in the moist midwest, I should have added a lot more brown. I think that this method would work fine, for someone with patience. I am not convinced that the compost tumblers will really make compost in a matter of weeks. My methods seem to take at least a year, but you get the same great stuff in the end. Susan...See MoreSteven Laurin & Company
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLloyd
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agorott
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSteven Laurin & Company
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agopbleic
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agominitrucker
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agorobertz6
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agocompost_pete-grower
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLloyd
14 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSteven Laurin & Company
7 years agoJoss Delage
6 years agoHU-618669384
3 years ago
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