The Truth About Compost Tumblers: Is It Right for You?

In this video, we explore the world of compost tumblers and whether they're the right choice for your composting needs. Join me as we delve into the pros and cons of using a tumbler, including less animal activity, aeration, and a neat and tidy appearance, as well as drawbacks like low volume, no hot composting, and difficulty in removing the compost. We'll also guide you through starting a brand-new tumbler, including adding browns like shredded paper, leaves, and cardboard, and greens like food scraps. Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting out, you won't want to miss this comprehensive guide to compost tumblers.
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🌴 Hernando County, Florida
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🏡 Homegrown Florida
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[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

♻️ If a compost tumbler is right for you, check out this one 👉 amzn.to/3JrkQnh As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@jessewilliams1276]

I have no clue why this video came across my timeline, but I’m watching it lol

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much for watching! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help

[@patcalabrese4667]

Ok, I love your honesty!!! I've started with Cigar ashes and leftovers...

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha. Love it

[@BeachBumBiker]

Hi Petrina, as always an enjoyable video and good practical information. You're so right that there's a lot you can learn about composting, and yet you can start with a pile as you said, or as simple as using a recycling bin. I think for some people, they'll watch a video or read a book and feel overwhelmed. Thanks again for for encouraging us to try, and as all gardener's do, learn as we go.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You can definitely get pretty scientific with the whole composting process but I’m a keep-it-simple kind of girl. So glad you enjoyed the video 💚

[@caryh9036]

This video answered all my questions about the compost tumbler and composting. It was very relatable as far as the questions that I had. Thank you so much, and great job!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great to hear! I’m so glad you liked it.

[@kolankprof]

Very helpful ... thanks for sharing your experience composting!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@opraha1113]

I just love your presentation style. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I’ve learned a lot from your videos.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so nice! Thank you for the encouragement

[@redcherries93x2]

Totally understand the overwhelming info about composting. I did the same researched a ton...then just started chucking stuff in a pile. I made columns out of cattle panels to create a neater 5ft pile/colum. Started tosding stuff in and has come out fine!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m a big fan of the “just chuck it in” method!

[@SamE2109]

Yay for homegrown!!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

😍

[@AfricanBeard]

Great video. Learned a ton

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad to hear it!

[@VeryMiley]

Great video. When living close to neighbors (suburbs) or where rodents are prevalent, compost tumblers are a viable option and this video highlights the pros and cons nicely. We have done geobins (tee posts with wire fencing as circles, fill it up), in-ground specially-built compost holder, Jora tumbler, and Vivosun tumbler. All work but depends on your circumstances!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great points! You definitely have a lot of experience with these different ones. Each is useful. It just depends on your needs.

[@joannamills4510]

Thank you for the one! Perfect timing. I just got one of those for my birthday and I'm excited about it but I've been stuck, not sure what to do 😮. I'm just going to chuck stuff in!😂😂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes! Just chuck stuff in. Happy birthday!

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

You’ve answered many questions that have been rolling around in my mind. I’ve been using a tumbler sine about May and it looks and smells ok so hoping it will work when I use it as a mulch layer for my next raised bed. You’ve inspired me to purchase a second tumbler bc I’ve wondered whether I should stop filling the original one and let it “cook” everything down before I use the contents. So I’m thinking if I start a second one I can do that and maybe always have one at the ready. Hope you are enjoying the trip. Be safe and keep on livin the d r e a m!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I really love having two. It feels more productive to me. Ones working and the other is filling. It makes the time it takes seem a lot shorter too since they are staggered. Hope you enjoy!

[@juliepoolie5494]

I just bought the two chamber tumbler from your link. I want to be able to have the ability to have compost ready and still add waste. Maybe someday I’ll try two tumblers like you but this is a good start!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s a great start!

[@lindalehman4242]

I was given a tumbler and truly believe in composting. My problem is turning it. After filling I found it heavy to turn. (I'm an older gardener). Going to keep at it though. New here, will be back. Thanks 😊

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for watching. They can get pretty heavy. Try adding more slowly and allow it to break down over time. That should make the weight more manageable but it will probably take a bit longer

[@janicemoyer854]

I do both. I shred all cardboard boxes, (not the coated ones) toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and all it’s just too much for tumblers. Could be I have a problem with Amazon shopping too! 😂 But I encourage all my neighbors to bring me theirs instead of it going to recycling when lord know what really happens to it.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I have a bit of an Amazon addiction too 🤣

[@heatherryan8301]

Using it as a mulch layer is a great idea! I’m in Florida as well and my bin compost ends up the same as yours. Sometimes I just bury it in an unused bed to quicken the process since I’ve never been able to get that perfect composition.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m guessing it is because our humidity and rain keeps it too moist but it does an amazing job has a mulch layer! Burying it is a great idea too!

[@coneyisland07]

I tried burying but racooms seemed to have a feast with it.

[@Dazck9s]

New subscription from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Dazck9s]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a your welcome

[@carolynmoody9460]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@AngryDAP]

Very informative. How long, on average, does the pile take to compose?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

About 4-6 months. Longer if you live in a colder climate

[@freshprince130]

Ive had a tumbler in my garage for 1.5 years...it has soooooo many pieces to put together...I was hoping my husband would put it together...No luck yet 😂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Wow. Mine came in just 3 pieces. The barrel and the legs. I usually pull everything out into the living room. After I struggle for about an hour my husband takes over out of pity 🤣

[@vigamortezadventures7972]

Probably use one to fully decompose after 30 days one you don’t touch and switch off or even 15 days after

[@myheartcries9906]

My husband made a compost tumbler out of a black barrel.... it is too hard for me to turn on my own and so my compost doesn't really work... it is full of sow bugs... not rolly pollys but sow bugs and they devour the fresh stuff I put it there in no time at all.... I had to quit using the thing because those durn bugs started moving into my garden beds and started devouring my plants...😢😢 ....you see, my husband is cheap and refuses to buy a good tumbler..... I'm going to show him this video...TFS ❤❤❤

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Lol, hope it helps. Mine are full of bugs too but I think the ability to turn it keeps the pile from getting infested. I mostly get worms and soldier fly larva.

[@roncatlin7271]

actually, a hot pile can be achieved in a tumbler or in my case a trash can. i am forced to compost in trash cans due to hoa. i check temps regularly, every time i go to water the garden, and in my 20 gallon trash cans, i have 9 now, if the temp is below 100 i mix/stir/turn adding drunk compost, layer crumbles, rice, biochar, if i have some that needs inoculating & alfalfa while doing so. temps usually within a couple of hours are back up to 140ish and will remain there for 10 days to 2 weeks - in trash cans along with a good fungal composition. some think this is a lot of work but my response to that is if you want a speedy pile it takes a little effort. i usually have finished material by the end of month 3 - in trash cans. my material is beautiful too and requires very little sifting - if any.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great suggestion! I’ve been considering doing the trash can thing too.

[@roncatlin7271]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a i have my trash cans anchored to my back porch and extend across the back of my house, of course they can't be seen from the street heaven forbid, and they are attached to one another with bungee cords thru their handles. them suckers are heavy full and they aren't goin anywhere !!! i also use small bungee cords to keep the lids on and the critters out. not a thing is out of place, messy or cluttered.

[@kerinnapoliello6922]

I started my tumbler a couple weeks ago and was startled by how much it looks like garbage after a week, flies and all. Thank you for reassuring me I don’t need precise measurements 😅 Do you recommend a shredder for the browns? I just ripped things up.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha. Using a shredder will break things down faster but tearing it up works too

[@kenshinhimura9387]

These things don't work very well because they simply don't hold enough material. I have one and I quit using it about a year ago and just put my compost in a big pile and it breaks down so much faster.

[@KEENDARLING]

One day putting stuff in my regular compost pile and omg 2 RATS I hate rats they scare the mess out of me Since then I use a tumbler and another big pile that I keep covered with wood chips and dig holes in to add weeds and other greens I've also forgot my tumbler or it dries out and doing that it doesn't work as well - if I turn it several times a week and not let it dry out it it's quick doesn't smell and no scary creatures!!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I set a reminder on my phone to turn it twice a week and it breaks down so fast that way.

[@andresvaldes2491]

How much time should it? Also, how do you know when it’s time to stop putting stuff in there?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

About 4-6 months depending on how cold/warm it is. I stop filling it once I’ve filled it up and let it break down and fill again about three times

[@Net20112]

Is using compost tumbler helps not attracting rodents especially roaches. That’s what stopping me composting.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Any kind of compost will bring in insects, like roaches but the tumbler keeps out things like rodents.

[@ernest-pj2du]

I have worms 🪱 mine .

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! Worms are great