Compost tumblers make composting easy, and with some innovative new compost tumblers on the market there are compost tumblers for every gardener. Whether you have many acres to garden, or a tiny urban lot, there is a compost tumbler to meet your needs. Back porch composters are increasingly popular as well.
Many families use a compost crock or jar to hold vegetable peelings and other food scraps until they are ready to transport to the compost bin. These handy compost crocks come in ceramic, recycled plastic, or steel so they are easy to clean and very durable.
Why is composting such a big deal? Plants in your garden thrive on compost. Compost is nature’s fertilizer and in the wild it is simply rotted vegetation that builds up on the ground and is broken down by bacteria, insects and weather. In your garden you don’t want to attract a lot of insects – nor do you want to deal with the smells from rotting vegetation. A compost tumbler or bin allows these materials to heat up and break down quickly. This prevents odors and makes the vegetable matter break down quickly.
You can compost vegetable scraps, fruit peels, egg shells, leftovers (avoid meat or oily foods as they will smell and attract insects) and other organic materials, even yard waste and fallen leaves. With a little moisture and the enclosed space of a well-ventilated compost tumbler, these materials will break down in just a few weeks. A proper compost pile has a slightly sweet, earthy smell to it. It does not smell bad or attract insects.
What is the the difference between a compost tumbler and a compost bin? A compost tumbler rotates either on its own or in some kind of a frame. A compost bin is stationary and requires someone to turn the compost from time to time so it will break down evenly. It will compost on its own over time, but the middle of the pile will compost long before the edges. In a tumbler, the materials are mixed together evenly and regularly so they break down more quickly.
A compost tumbler is also a great tool since it helps keep rain from leaching out the precious nutrients. A little moisture is necessary to keep things cooking along, but too much rain can wash away all the good stuff – or even cause the materials to rot instead of compost. A compost tumbler keeps excess rain from ruining your compost.
Once you have a regular system for compost, you will be amazed how much you use. Your plants will be healthy and strong, and your garden and yard will flourish. You’ll save money on both fertilizers and pesticides. A healthy plant is much better able to resist disease and insects than an unhealthy one. Your fruits and vegetables will have a more robust flavor and you’ll enjoy knowing that you are doing the right thing for your family and the earth.
Check out these compost tumblers from Amazon – where most of them will have free shipping.
