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COMPOSTING INFORMATION AND TIPS!
The Tumbling Composter contains a mechanism with rods or fins that mixes and breaks up larger clusters
to activate and “fasten” the decomposing process. Such composters are able to reach a temperature
of more than 140°. In order for compost to be efficient, it requires a correct mixture ratio of “brown”
(carbon) and “green” (nitrogen) materials (see LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST). Water
should be added only when necessary and the tumbler should be turned every other day or so to keep
all ingredients, microorganisms, and moisture evenly distributed. Within a few weeks, your Tumbling
Composter will transform your scraps into this natural fertilizer named compost.
COMPOST CAN BE PRODUCED WITH YOUR TUMBLER IN TWO DIFFERENT PROCESSES:
1. The best method: Produce compost in batches, loading up the tumbler until full, and leave it to break
down until completed. When running two tumblers simultaneously, one can start adding waste to the
second tumbler and wait for the first to complete its decomposing process. Refraining from adding
more materials to the current batch of working compost will ensure better results. A batch with new
waste materials can then be started when the first is completed.
2. Another method is continuous composting, where one adds more and more material, mixing fresh
waste into the decomposing process. When choosing this method with the tumbler, one should stop
adding when the tumbler is almost full, and let the contents decompose. Once this batch is completed
you can start the entire process again.
LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST
Decomposing Process - When trying the process for the first time, it may be surprising how many small
creatures are participating in decomposition. This mixture of creatures, which include many insects, bugs,
slugs, bacteria, and mushrooms, form what is called a “food web.” Adding a small quantity of soil to this
mixture can be used to start the process. The creatures in the soil will actually contribute and speed up
decomposition.
Each and every member of the food web has its own contribution to your compost and it must be left
alone to do its job. If any of the member organisms is removed by using agents such as pesticides, the
natural cycle will be disturbed and the compost will be infected by pesticides.
Ingredients - Basic ingredients for composting are: nitrogen, carbon, water and air. Water and air should
be readily available. Providing the remaining ingredients is somewhat more complicated. They are actually
referred to as “greens” and “browns” (not meaning the color but green = rich in nitrogen, and brown =
rich in carbon). The “green” ingredients represent the protein for the active creatures, and the “brown”
ingredients supplying the energy. Any plant in your garden can be used to “feed” these creatures. The
Tumbling Composter should simply be filled with these ingredients and mixed. Water must be added
separately and the whole must be tumbled to add air. The composter should then be left alone to let the
decomposing process take place.
Nitrogen / Carbon Ratio - The ideal mix is 3/4 “brown” and 1/4 “green” ingredients by volume. Such a
mixture of “brown” and “green” ingredients will ensure that the mass maintains the appropriate quantity
of humidity and air, and hastens the decomposing process. An increased amount of nitrogen will generate
a heavy mass, which will slow down the decomposing process. Then may be the right time to add more
“brown” ingredients!