1. You can add the sod, soil and all. The comments against adding soil are usually because some people think it's needed to get things started, but it's not. In your case, you may as well add it because it's attached.

2. You can start with what you have and add to it. It might not get hot as fast, but it'll decompose. At some point, you may want to stop adding new stuff to give the current batch a chance to finish.

3. Go ahead and rip the paper with your hands.

4. I'll let others answer about tumblers. I've never used one.

This it?

{{gwi:286634}}

{{gwi:286635}} of box says it has "internal aeration system" whatever that may be.

This write up says its 75 gallons so I am going to assume U.S. gallons so somewhere around 10 cubic feet? If so similiar in volume to an EM.

Lloyd

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the responses!

Llyod - yes, that's exactly the one. Actually I think that pic was even taken from the Costco that I went to - I grabbed the last one (thank goodness they had one left).
Still trying to finish assembling (not the easiest thing to do!)...and haven't yet figured out what that "internal aeration system is". There is a pipe inside that runs across the center that has small holes in it - I think that's what they're referring to. But definitely will not serve as an abundant source of oxygen - but I guess some air will come through those holes.

ok...break is over! Back to assembling!

Thanks all!

It sure looks interesting enough. To reply to some of your specific Q's:

1) Some dirt always gets in somehow so no big deal for me as long as isn't pails and pails of dirt.

2) I use tumblers both batch and continuous. At some point in the continuous feed you will have to stop adding and let it work so one has to think about what to do with their material when that happens. Some go with a second bin and I am sure there are many more options. Doing it as a batch can also be problematic if you don't have an alternative system while the tumbler is doing its' thing. And collecting all the materials to fill can be a pain with storage and what not. I use multiple tumblers so some can be allowed to do their thing whilst I fill another.

3) I don't use much paper other than coffee filters and the odd paper towel so I can't help you with that one.

4) Air is critical and be aware of the moisture content.

It isn't hard to make mistakes but they are usually correctable and they are usually not too serious. I've goofed up a few times and just made some adjustments on the next batch. I learn more stuff about composting everyday.

Have fun, good luck and don't sweat the small stuff.

Lloyd

4) Air is critical and be aware of the moisture content.

I second this one. For some reason, the first batch of compost I made in my tumbler was perfect but subsequent batches were not so good. Mine did not have enough air holes in it for one thing so I drilled more holes in it. I added too much water on other batches and had a heck of a time getting more dry stuff in there to counter act.

It's all just a learning curve. I had put my tumbler up as a lost cause last year but after reading some of Lloyd's posts about tumbling, I'm trying it again this year. Otis will be very happy! :-)

Val

You can find a very good composting tutorial at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Online Composting Center

I'd pile that sod and topsoil to the side and let the grass decompose on its own. Occasionally put a shovel full into your compost batch. If you load up that tumbler with heavy soil it's going to bust! And eventually the pile you haven't used yet, will have no discernable grass left in it and you can scoop it up and add it to flower beds or fill low areas with it. I would never throw away topsoil either.