Compost Tumbler

by Shirley
(Topeka, KS)

We fell for the hype and bought a Back Porch ComposTumbler, for $250. Doug is right, it doesn't heat up much, but eventually everything rots enough to make dark, unstinky, crumbly compost.

I add shredded newspaper to the kitchen waste, which helps. It certainly doesn't live up to the claim of a new batch every two weeks.

I add vegetable waste all summer, with the shredded paper, turning it every day or so, and then let it sit all winter. In the spring I have about a five-gallon bucket full, maybe one and a half buckets.

We also have a large compost bin that never gets turned or stirred, where we put most all the perennial tops, etc., that we cut back, plus other odds and ends from the vegetable garden, and that takes about a year to cook.

So, don't buy a tumbler, instead donate your extra money to a local community food pantry or some such.