Compost tumbler

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Elijablue Wheaton, IL(Zone 5b) Feb 26, 2010

I am considering buying a compost tumbler - the Tumbleweed. It seems to be easy to flip, as well as hold a fair amount of material. The store only has a dark green one. I know black would be better (to cook faster), especially since I cannot put it in full sun. Since I have no experience with composting, any suggestions would be appreciated greatly!

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cathy4 St. Louis County, MO(Zone 5a) Feb 26, 2010

E, I had a tumbler, here is what I know:
To get compost in the quick time they claim, you have to put all of the ingredients in at the same time and it has to be pretty fine size to start with.
If you put things in as you get them, it will take much longer.
When it is about 2/3s full, it is heavy, harder to turn than I expected.
Dark green vs. black won't make a huge difference, it is the proper combination of browns/greens that makes things cook.
I gave mine away to a neighbor and now use the lasagna and shallow trench methods, no turning.
Feel free to join us over in the composting forum.

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Elijablue Wheaton, IL(Zone 5b) Feb 27, 2010

Thanks for the advice Cathy. Still debating and gathering info. Spring can't come soon enough for me!

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Tylersays Madison Heights, VA Mar 09, 2010

Go to your local "touchless" car wash and ask about empty barrels. This time of year is BIG car washing time and barrels are a dime a dozen, though not if you look on Craigslist! I've gotten 2 55gallon and one 30 gallon in the last month alone. I have 4 55gals I use for rain water collection and I'm planning to build my own composter from a couple of others . there are all kinds of plans on line for them, maybe even DG somewhere. But generally for a little of nothing you can build a better mouse-trap on your own!

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Elijablue Wheaton, IL(Zone 5b) Mar 14, 2010

Thanks Tylersays. I'll look into that too! Appreciate the advice.
E

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funtomatoes Douglasville, GA Mar 15, 2010

I also bought a compost tumbler a few years ago. I never could get the ratio right. My experience was the same as cathy4, and I now use the trench method too. I'm sure the tumblers work for many people, but not me.

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