Hopefully this gives you some useful information if you’ve never used a compost tumbler before - let me know. Or, if you have one, let me know what you think also! 👍

@ahavarichardson5426

2 жыл бұрын

Drunken composting method

@danielmorris9803

Жыл бұрын

Dame that costs ￡408.71￡464.44 12% off I'd love one screw top

A big plus with these tumbler type composters is that it keeps pests (mice, rat, raccoon, opossum) away from the kitchen scraps.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

That's a very fair point 👍

@jeffgeorge4175

Жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens Your reasons are good ones for this specific model and for someone in your position, with lots of land and the option to simply build a frame and throw the compostable material in. I have sufficient space for such a set-up but we have had rodent issues where I live and, more importantly, a problem with bears. Backyard composting is actually discouraged here because it's likely to be a bear attractant. So, I'm looking for a smaller, tumbling composter, along the lines of the one mentioned in the comment below, with two compartments, so one side can be cooking while you add to the other, made of metal, with flap doors that can be locked, on a strong metal stand, with spoke style handles so that it's still relatively easy to turn no matter how heavy it gets. I will only use this for kitchen scraps with brown material added, while large bulky material that won't attract bears, like leaves, garden waste, etc can be thrown in a larger enclosure.

@AM-jw1lo

9 ай бұрын

Why this video is wrong for many people. The above point is why i haven't thrown out my kitchen scraps, so its been going into the trash, i feel bad, but don't need a project to over build something.I was looking for something cheap that won't be a learning (ie i could have done that better after i finished) project. These are simple and should last years and my scraps are no longer going into the trash, Further they are out of the kitchen when i want, not when the trash goes out.

Did it never cross your mind, the way to empty the tumbler was to leave the door off and turn it so the opening faces down? Put a tarp underneath and use a small trowel to help move things. One further off the ground is also a better idea. It gives you leverage.

We use two tumbler composters and they work well for us. I think that some of your negativity is because you are not using it in an optimal manner. Tumblers are expensive, but mine have lasted 8 years and are still going strong. For some, that is preferable and frankly looks way tidier than an open heap. In addition, I need all the space available to garden. The tumblers are set up on a shaded hard scape area. We use the tumblers primarily for kitchen waste, so the size of the opening is not a big deal. To get the compost out, I simply roll it across the yard, take off the opening, then roll it around on our vegetable garden until most of the compost has fallen out. That is way more fun and less work than trudging back and forth with a shovel-full of compost. I think it is unfortunate that by only focusing on what hasn't worked for you, you may cause people to miss out on something that might be a good solution for their situation.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and good to know that a compost tumbler works well for you 😃

@wyldemanironworx7099

Жыл бұрын

What brand of compost tumbler do you use?

@scientiaarsvita1

Жыл бұрын

@@wyldemanironworx7099 We use Envirocycle composters. They are not cheap, but they are solidly built, long lasting, and easy to use. The only mistake I have made with ours is putting lots of peanut shells in at once causing the squirrels to gnaw one of the closures loose!

@terryjimfletcher

9 ай бұрын

You had to buy two. That's a downside. I suppose that whilst one is working away you're loading up the other one? I'd go for a hot composter per the advantages that Niall mentioned, it's a "conveyor" type of process, not a mixed up type of process. I'm really glad I saw this video.

@househunt5175

5 ай бұрын

I'm seeing the enviro at around 360 euros, and the outsunny model at under 70 euros. Any idea of how the enviro could be that much better? Both look like similar processes. Thanks! @@scientiaarsvita1

Hmmm....a friend of mine has a tumbler that she uses for her kitchen waste. 1) It has two compartments, so can be used on a progressive basis 2) It's raised on a frame, so access to load and unload isn't a problem 3) Instead of having a screw top, it's got doors with a catch 4) It rotates freely and doesn't involve a lot of effort (it's got sturdy handles on the drum) She's had it for years, it's hexagonal and it is wearing out (it's metal and it's corroding), but it does seem to work for her. Each to their own.

@heatherjolly8389

2 жыл бұрын

yes this is what I have. My goal for a compost tumbler was to just get stuff mixed before laying it to rest. and it helps with pests since I live in an area with wildlife.

@jamesgilmartin8485

2 жыл бұрын

I think that's the one I have. It's new though... Really like it so far but I might add red wiggler worms as its pretty mild in Scotland most of the time. Might need assistance.

@octaviatulloch1834

Жыл бұрын

what make is it?

@nautilusshell4969

Жыл бұрын

@@octaviatulloch1834 Joraform

When you said "I've got 8" at the start of this, I thought you were going to say you had 8 compost tumblers 🤣 Glad for you that you didn't get 8! Really interesting video, I'm a fan of the open piles on my allotment, but the tumblers I've seen before are on legs (so you can empty by spinning upside down) and a handle to give you leverage and make it much easier to tumble.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! One tumbler is bad enough, let alone eight of them! 😂 I think the ones you're talking about sound much better designed than the one I have - they've certainly sorted some of the major design issues!

What I think they would be useful for is seed growing mix, rather than mixing by hand on a table so add all your perlite seed soils and any additives, flip it around a few time to mix your soil and then store in poly to access seed starter soil as needed. At least it won’t go to waste. 👍🇨🇦🐝 safe both of you

@mickeyleboeuf4954

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea. Also might be more useful for small suburban gardens where you want a sealed container to avoid any pests, smells or other nasties and have very limited space

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

That's a properly interesting use-case for it - using it as a mixer... I like it! I might just give that a go before I gift it to someone else! Hope you're keeping well!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Very true

@franceswatts4001

5 ай бұрын

@myrustygarden What a brilliant idea! I have the double compartment one on a stand but I am awaiting delivery of a HotBin (the commercial version of Niall’s DIY one), and I was wondering what to do with the tumbler as I don’t generate enough waste to fill both. Not only could I mix in it, I could store the mix in there, with a tarp fastened over it to prevent rainwater getting in. Love it! Thank you.

I have the same basic model as you and quite enjoy using it. Mine must be a better model. The lid is no problem, turning the drum1/2 turn once a week, using a pitch fork to load and a small spade to empty is all there is to it. Like most I compost using several methods. The rotating drum is the quickest.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting to get your experiences of using yours - thanks for sharing because it's going to be useful for everyone else on here reading through the comments!

@ale347baker

Жыл бұрын

I had the same positive experience. I only can't get the bottom compost juice out. I can't unscrew the little knob. But thats extra. I get good compost quicker on this tumbler than my home made one.

I want it because it is supposed to not attracting rats to small gardens with having it close and off the ground and I don't really want compost, I just don't want kitchen garbage into landfill as well the mess in the collection bin. So it would be good. One need one with 2 chambers to let one set and feed the other. I would only need a small one.

I do have a double chamber one with ventilation holes and legs that has none of your issues

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

That's great! Glad you're having success with yours. I think my particular one has some serious limitations!

Nautilus Shell makes a good point that I'll add to.. You are referring to a specific type of tumbler. Some of your 8 reason are nullified by 1) using a dual chambered tumbler that allows for the cooking of one batch of compost while feeding the other; 2) a compost tumbler held off the ground on a stand will make it easier to maneuver, spin, access the contents ( dumping it into a wheelbarrow or tarp underneath) and it can reduce stress on your back. It also can deter wildlife. 3) Some tumblers are made with much larger doors than what you're showing. Large doors make it easier to add in materials and remove finished compost. Look at some of the reviews that are shown on the side of this video to see other types of compost tumblers and their features before deciding based on this commentary.

I have a 70L tumbler that has worked well for me and my small yard and garden. - The small size is easy enough to roll across the ground - only need to go a few meters then roll it back every few days. When ready to use, just roll it to where I want and dump it out there. - It has a panel that slides out sideways, very easy to remove and replace. Not a large opening for access if you need to reach in, but that isn't something I've had to do. - I'm in an urban area where rodents and other critters could be a problem, but haven't been an issue with the enclosed tumbler. - I found that things need to be broken down before being put in the bin, to help everything mix sufficiently and prevent clumping. I'll use garden shears to dice up dried leaves and chop long plant stems, and dice kitchen scraps into smaller pieces. Grass clippings worked best when let dry a little before being added, and also pre-mixed with brown material. - I'll fill the bin about two-thirds at most with fresh material so that it can still mix. Once it starts to break down and get denser, I'll continue adding material until it gets about half full. - Excess moisture was a problem in the spring, I think when I added too much wet green material and with a cool and very rainy spring climate. I emptied out the bin so that I could break up the wet (bad smelling) clumps and mix in some dry brown material, and things started working better. Once summer came around, I needed to occasionally add water, and any clumps were smaller, drier, and didn't end up smelling bad. - Last year I was able to get three batches of compost - one in early spring (that was started with fresh fall leaves), then in mid and late summer. I think it took longer than necessary because I was gradually adding kitchen scraps for several weeks - loading it up all at once and leaving to mature will probably have a completed batch much sooner. - There is another model that uses the same bin, but is two compartments raised on a frame, so that they can easily be spun in place, and emptied out onto a container underneath. Having multiple bins would allow filling one with fresh material while the other is let to mature. - I've seen more expensive tumblers that are insulated to keep composting active in cooler temperatures, and have large latched doors so loading and unloading would be easy.

Can someone tell me what is a good composter to buy or make? Thanks

@niallgardens Do you think this could work if exclusively used for kitchen waste? I.e. where rats would be a problem in an open bay? Or are there better options for this type of waste? Thanks

Great information! Thank you for sharing. I was thinking of buying one just like this for my small back yard. I’ll now look into alternatives.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think it's definitely worth shopping around. I'm a big fan of hot composting

I have a compost tumbler and another "new age composter" that is large and on the ground. I use the tumbler on my deck for kitchen scraps along with paper towels and scrap paper. The other bin I use for yard waste. My tumbler is elevated on metal legs and has 2 sides. It makes compost in about a month-6 weeks and it's much faster than my other bin. It's conveniently located close to my door and is easy to turn. The most annoying thing about it is that the sliding door blocks you from turning the barrel upside down to empty it while blocking the side that isn't ready yet. I use a piece of cardboard to block the side that I'm still adding to while emptying it and that solves the problem. Mine never smells and has plenty of holes and grooves for aeration.

Nice video, the gadgets are often about saleability rather than practicality. If you can sell an idea and people don’t see how flawed it is, people will buy it.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you on that - I hope I've been able to cut through that in this video and just give an honest appraisal of my own experiences

As an aside, my rotating drum is some 12 years old and going strong. Makes compost all year long.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I love hearing how other people fare in their gardens - that's so good that it works for you!

I've got 2 small tumblers, bought a month ago, already becoming compost. The lid is a clip design. There is also a drip tray to make liquid fertiliser at the bottom, one tray is nearly full. I put them up on my raised bed as I'm disabled, I tumble them every day and love them, will be buying two more soon so I'll have a constant supply.

@niallgardens

Жыл бұрын

Great info - thanks very much Jilly!

@seema12172

Жыл бұрын

Hello, can you please tell me which composter you are having, I am thinking of buying one with drip tray . Thank you

I actually really like using a tumbler. I have a stationary Aerobin (insulated, hot bin) and a Redmon rotating bin. The rotating bin makes compost in about 2-3 months, the Aerobin about a year (to be fair, I do not pay enough attention to composting to really get it hot inside). This means you are actually making far more compost with a rotating bin. The one shown is bad because of the small opening. There are better ones on the market. Also, you don't scoop out the compost out of that hole. You turn the barrel so the hole points more or less down, and then you rake it out with a small tool - same as a stationary bin.

@roncatlin7271

11 ай бұрын

i agree that possibly his choice of tumblers to review probably wasn't the best. i have no experience with tumblers but i was researching & considering on investing in multiple tumblers but this video pointed out the downside of all tumblers that i have been concerned about. i've even nixed the idea now of building my own now. i'll keep using my trash cans.

I was thinking about the small draper tumbler on s stand for kitchen waste to not put directly in with garden waste as rats a problem so my thinking was the smallest tumbler and when it has broken down the food wasre more then add to the garden waste n mulch.. any thoughts on that idea? Cheers

@niallgardens

7 ай бұрын

I actually think that sounds like a good idea - it should certainly be practical

I've seen dual chamber ones that I'm interested in. I have a very small garden and of course I'm concerned about rats and other pests. One thing that I thought you were going to address is the potential for chemicals from the plastic to leech into the compost. Is that a legitimate concern?

Great video! I’ve used several different styles of composers and totally agree with you about tumblers.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! It's really cool getting to hear all the different opinions - so far it's seems to be split between people who like them and people who don't!

I agree 100percent with you . I bought one and didn't take long to regret it. It is better to put in a pile and turn it with shovel. The compost comes out better. Now I just use it to mix soil.

Thank you for this review. I think a mistake many folks make when buying gardening equipment is thinking they can "set and forget" it. Your points about turning, the tightness of the lid, and accessing the finished compost seem valid. But moisture can be managed by leaving the lid off when it'snot raining, adding shredded brown paper (I do this all the time in my 3-sided bin), perhaps turning it more often to increase aeration, or perhaps drilling more holes in the unit. Overall, a wetter climate may have more problems than a drier one, necessitating drilling more or larger holes in it. I'll take the weight of turning this puppy once over a dozen shovelfuls to turn it over, anyday. Question: how big of an issue with the Wizard are insects like flies and wasps? They are rarely an issue in our 3-sided bin; flies usually come around when our pile is wetter requiring addition of brown material or shredded brown paper.

Good video Niall, thanks for pointing all this out. I had a tumbler which was on a stand and turned end to end, it's drawback, was that it couldn't be emptied from the bottom. I'm looking for another compost bin, definitely will not be buying this one you have shown. Take care Niall, keep sharing your love of gardening, great videos to watc, particularly on a non gardening day like today, with it being stormy.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much, glad you liked it! Good look with the compost bin hunt!

Thanks for this info! My compost conundrum is slowly being informed further! In 2020, I started applying "forest gardening" principles on a large rural family property (in Canada, USDA zone 6a). Since I cannot be on site more than a few visits per year, I've had to translate a lot of info from a few garden homesteading KZread channels I'm following. Since I have a FT career and the property is a daytrip away from where I live in the city, I find your channel is closer to what I'd like to do myself (eventually the property will most likely be inherited). I've planted a lot already & I'm constantly collecting seeds/bulbs/roots/etc for future plantings. I even just purchased some wedding cake tree seeds! Many thanks!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Lovely hearing about how you garden and grow - the forest gardening principle is great. Glad that you like how my content is pitched - hopefully I keep making videos that you enjoy. We have a wedding cake tree that I adore - check out my garden tour videos because I always mention it!

@ptrprkr22

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens yes! I'd not heard of Cornus controversa before you mentioned it in your videos! It may be slow to grow from seed, but I'm excited to try!

Thank you Niall, that was very in-depth. Mad isn't it! I've bought several products for the garden and other things, and I have wondered constantly 'who actually product tests these things?' I think they are made cheaply for a quick-sale market. A hot composter is a way to go I'm sure. I have Daleks and I must say everything I put in has gone in a jiffy! I was having a problem, then chucked half a bucket of pee in each one about 8 months ago, and I think I have compost monsters in there hahaha! That looks a bit of a nightmare, so how are you going to reuse it - answers on a postcard ;) The little robin was hoping for something. tasty, and equally disappointed with it I think Take care. Thank you again.

thank you. this video comfirms my doubts about using a tumbler which i was considering. i currently am using 20 gal trash cans. i have 8, 1 that is ready and then 1 for each month for six months and a spare for mixing & stirring. i move the contents from one container to an empty weekly and give it a good stir with a stirring tool. i check the temp and if it needs to heat up i add alfalfa pellets while stirring but surprisingly isn't that often. i do have holes in the bottom & sides but not the top to keep out excessive moisture from the elements. usually the temp is ambient by the middle of month 4 but sometimes it has taken 5 but never 6 - yet. if i have no need for compost i just let the container mature further until i do need some good compost. i will check your diy hot composter for sure. i'm not as young as i used to be and even though those 20 gal containers aren't that large they do get heavy when they are full of composted material. watched your 'how to" on building a hot compost bin and you lost me at polystyrene. i was checking on other materials to use and it just wouldn't make sense for me to embark on a new venture not knowing if it would work or not. my trash cans work well and only take about a month longer. your plan and execution were stellar but even changing your plans to line the bin to make it 'safe' still wouldn't be fool proof. honestly, i'm disappointed that i am so stuck against using polystyrene.

this is really useful, thanks very much :) what I'm getting from this is it's a really bad design for price value and the appropriation needs a storage area and to be left alone until 1/2 or 3/4 full. it needs a lock, to leave the door open for aeration, and a ratchet to avoid rolling back, a crank to use leverage, and perhaps a hopper type loading. if a wheelbarrow or whatever can't fit underneath, it needs to be raised for room below.

Once again, from a man who has recently made two rotating composters, i agree with everything you say! lol. The costs are a major factor for most, and as you say, there are a number of problems with them.I did lots of homework and came up with a composter that hopefully will suit my needs and eradicate those problems you mention.But i do have a large three bay compost heap and planning a better one for this season to help make as much compost as i can.With the rising costs of compost, i think we need to make our own as much as possible.And of course not to mention the knowing of whats in there and where all the material has come from in the first place.Being a gardener that does not use any chemicals or other nasties in the garden, i am happy to wait as long as it takes for my own compost to mature.Keep up the good work,and i hope these storms are not causing you too much trouble.From a very windy and wet North Wales.Shaun.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! Completely agree with what you say regarding costs and making our own composts. Glad you enjoyed the video - we're faring ok so far in all these storms, hope you are too!

@happydaysveg1965

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens All good here Niall. Very Busy getting things ready for for when it really gets going.

Haven’t got one of these. Have thought about it over the years. Pleased I didn’t bother. I have two big bins homemade with wooden boards that slot out for removing compost. It has concrete floor and boards on the sides, Tin roof. Approx 1 meter square. It was here when we moved to this house. I’m very thankful to the person who made it. The worms find there way into it also. And I have two plastic drums open bottom, lid on top that come off. And I rotate these four. It’s some work but love them. And don’t have problem with gardening. Think if you put in the work it’s worth it. Pleased to view this video. Interesting. Thanks from NZ.

Wow this was fab Niall. I often wondered about these compost tumbler and I shall wonder no more!!! Well explained and justified with your reasons for not liking them. I would love to see a few videos like this with you reviewing a product/item or whatever! You would be absolutely fantastic Niall. Thanks for video x

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Geraldine! Hope you're keeping well and avoiding the worst of the storms. Glad you enjoyed the video. I might look into making a few more videos like you say, where I trial gardening equipment!

@geraldinekelly1301

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens I really think you should Niall! I think your honest approach and excellent at explaining things style would be so ideal 🌷

Thanks for being a guinea pig and testing for us 🤣🤣 I will stick to standard compost bins and my hot bin I think. Ive got 4 compost bins and 1 hot bin plus an area where we put grass and leaves which we are trying out from Autumn last year. Hope no damage was done in your garden and orchard with the bad storms? we sadly lost a apple tree on Wednesday which we are gutted about although not surprised as wasnt very well after we think lightening strike before we saw or bought the house! But it split near the bottom and not uprooted! Thanks for the video!

what jacket is that you're wearing??

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

It's by a Swedish company called Stutterheim

Totally agree with every word Niall. I have tried using one and gave up, its sitting empty in the garden and I am back using my pallets system.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Phew! So it's not just me then?! 😃

Goodness that was very interesting, lots of very useful information, many thanks.

@niallgardens

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

If going container style composter/hotbox anyway and may need to mix, go high rise and an Archimedes screw will make lot more sense; Hand crank ice fishing drill (take off/round off the cutting steels). Gasoline powered ice drill/fence post augers can be bought cheaper than imagined. Have a look at your local cheapo chains. ...Cement bucket drill mixers (usually grid electric) can also do fine with the "somewhat right shape for the job" attachment screw and a slight shaft extension home cooking job with a barely legal welding machine of any kind.

I don’t have the option of doing a hot compost bin currently but have found multiple tumblers take care of about 90% of these problems. And I just empty mine into a tarp to transfer it to a wheelbarrow. Would probably switch if I could but I’m more than happy with it.

I have hated mine for years for all your reasons. I thought it was just me. I created a heap pile last fall. Thank you for making me not feel like a failure.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

And I'm delighted that it's not just me either!!!

Buy a compost tumblr that doesn't have these issues, easy big opening, easy to tumble, dual chambers, etc

I have one of those but I only use it for my kitchen compost during the winter when I have at least 60 cm of deep snow between the house and my garden compost bins. I totally agree about your points. I don't bother turning it as my contents are usually frozen. I have a small trowel to push the contents to each side when I add a bucket of kitchen scraps. In the late spring, I shovel out as much as I can and then roll it to my garden compost bins and add it to those to help them get hotter. They are usually mostly leaves over the winter and the greens from this rolling thing helps them heat up. I have to roll it over and back to get the compost out. Many, many times back and forth. Sigh.

It looks very difficult to use this particular one. Could you in any way customise it, by add legs or use a old frame to bring it us to a manageable height. I have never used one,i have compost bins, they are complicated enough for me ha ha.Thanks for sharing Niall, your other one you made does a great job.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly it really is difficult to use this successfully. I'd love to be able to customise it, but I think my options are going to be quite limited. I think instead it might just be going back up onto the freecycle group! 😂 At least that way someone else can enjoy using it perhaps!

@LorraineG123

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens you are right i suppose, you have tried and tested it. Time to leave someone else give it a go.

Great advice Thank You for sharing Niall 🌸🦋🌸

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Any time!

I'm sure I'd be tempted if I had just a city lot, but I'll just stick to my pile between cement blocks. I like to be able to see what's going on in the pile. Plus, it's always fun to see that rouge pumpkin or squash that self-seeds and goes crazy from the nutrients.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a big compost pile will also be the best option I think. Including all the extra seedlings that pop up, just like you say!

We tried a similar composter with two sections with sliding doors. It didn't work well at all. We got rid of it and use compost bins instead. Works much better.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know that it's not just me then! Hahahahaha!

Wow!! Good to know!! We were looking into this one!! Thank U so much!! We live in zone 4b Newport, MN!!😊

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

No problem, you're welcome! Thanks for watching!

@Sharonmarieb

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens Ur welcome!!😊

@margaretmold63

2 жыл бұрын

We are also zone 4b Minnesota. Just received a 2 compartment one. Looking forward to not turning with a fork!

Sounds faffy for an allottment or big garden but for a few trugs of veg in a smallish garden, as you said, I'm hoping it'll be okay. I'm trying to slow down and do more mindful practises so I don't mind taking time to scoop stuff in or out. I also don't mind opening the lid to put food scraps in once a week (I will need to get a separate food bin for non-compostables like meat though). I hope it is rollable though, that's a bit worrying, it's good for me to be forced to exercise though haha! I would probably either for a dual door one with air holes or traditional. Thank you for the warnings!

So refreshing with real information about a product and not just a commercial. Thank you!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

I heard people praise this bin!! Must have gotten something for it!! TFS and being honest! I will try the 18 day composting method, as well as, 3 bin composting. I have been using many techniques and theories from all over the world. I will find N E W AND DIFFERENT! by learning more about farming all over the world. Farming from zone 8b north central Florida!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for you comment Ahava! That's really cool that you're trying out different techniques!

I was considering in buying one of those composters 🙃. Thanks for the advice 😘.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

No problemo! You're welcome!

I have a range of different systems because I like trying lots of different methods. I have a Maze brand double-chamber tumbler and I really like it - but in the context of working *with* my other systems, not as my sole compost system. I use it chiefly to "pre-compost" putrescible kitchen scraps before adding that material to slow compost/worm farms to finish breaking down. This helps to reduce the number of mice that I attract. The Maze tumbler has a geared handle that makes turning it much easier than a model that you have to push or pull the barrel to turn. It does still get heavy and difficult to turn at times, and the material settles as in this video, but the gear handle really helps as it ratchets in place as you turn it, rather than rolling backwards. The key is to not have it too full or too wet. Of course, this means making less compost than you would in a pile, but this doesn't bother me as it is only a step in my overall composting process. The doors are quite large and they slide rather than screw on. I can lift my mower catcher up and empty it into the open door without much trouble. I think I would hate a screw lid - it looks like a big hassle and it would discourage me from frequently adding things to my tumbler (which I do sometimes twice a day). To empty, I push a crate underneath, spin the tumbler around and open the sliding door, and then use a hand rake to dislodge any compost that doesn't immediately drop out by itself. This is a little awkward, but no less awkward than some other bins where you have to scratch compost out at the bottom, or lift the bin off to access it. I find it quite convenient and low-fuss to have it drop into a crate and then take the crate to where I want to put the compost. (They have a purpose-made wheeled cart for this tumbler, but I just use an old crate) Tumblers definitely have their pros and cons, as with any compost system. Something that works really well for one person may not fit at all for someone else. You need to weigh everything up according to your space, the waste you are producing, your goal for the finished product (what you want to use it for, how much you want to produce), and your physical capabilities and time constraints. Great video :) I love seeing people test drive various composting methods and sharing their thoughts.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for writing such an interesting and in-depth comment because it's doubtless going to be useful for everyone else on here. I like the idea of you using it for 'pre-composting'. The model that you have sounds like it's got some of the design flaws I mention sorted out which is definitely a good thing! Glad you enjoyed the video!

@kellymorgan4783

2 жыл бұрын

I have a maze tumbler as well. With my arthritic fingers and wrists it's still easy to use. I've made my tumbler into a worm farm 😁 First I add the material - which has no rules. Dairy, meat, oils, salt, seaweed etc - all welcome. Once it's full I add the worms and let them work through it while I fill the other side. It's the fastest turnover of 60l of vermicaste I've ever managed to achieve 😁 That said - the tumbler in this video has to be the worst designed tumbler I've ever seen 🤣🤣🤣

Niall I had one years ago and I could never turn it. So heavy. Mine was upright and it took 3 of us to turn it!!!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

It really is so so heavy when it's full isn't it?!

I have to admit I’ve looked at them and thought very similar thoughts especially with the ability to turn it easily. I’ve always thought it was a bad height as well. It’s something I have to look at seriously as I have major back issues and so most of my jobs in the garden have to be done sat down. None that I’ve seen are at waist height they’re all very low to the ground which adds to the difficulty even for people with no issues.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's exactly it - the difficulty in getting it tumbled or rolled is the biggest problem. Certainly the model I have really wouldn't be suitable for someone with back issues - its low to the ground, heavy to turn, and doesn't have good handles or grips for turning. You can get ones on stands that have handles with a geared system, a bit like a tombola (!) that might be more suitable?

@BloosSelfReliance

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens yeah you can but again expensive for what it is really. I’m happy doing what we do for now honestly and when we move have a proper composting system. I think sometimes we get a little too excited over the next new thing and then it ends up in a corner gathering dust with the rest of the gadgets that weren’t quite right xox

@brucetidwell7715

2 жыл бұрын

I have back problems, too. I've thought about trying to find one but watched Nial and immediately realized that there is no way I could roll that thing over. I'm not entirely sure that one with handles on the side would be workable for me.

@BloosSelfReliance

2 жыл бұрын

@@brucetidwell7715 you know I’ve been thinking about it and if it was more set up to open on the end and with a crankable handle that works in a similar way to a cement mixer it may more workable. Especially if it was the size of an oil drum. I dunno 🤷‍♀️ Ya got my brain ticking now lol

@brucetidwell7715

2 жыл бұрын

@@BloosSelfReliance Have you looked at Nial's homemade hot composter? I'm going to make one of those. I'm single and an omnivore so having enough material for composting is a challenge for me. that one you just open at the top and add a bit at a time. I *think* it's even ok to add cooked food with some meat residue on it. There's another video about what to put in. You put stuff in the top and there is a hatch at the bottom where the compost comes out. I'm going to set it up on my deck where it's convenient, with the hatch facing the edge where I can just pull a wheel barrow up and scoop the compost straight into the barrow.

This composter works for me. An open heap is not for me. Its not too bad to open or close, and its big enough to load. It heats up and steams. I like it a lot.

Love love love my tumblers. They are fantastic. Don’t stop people from easy ways to deal with their food waste

@niallgardens

Жыл бұрын

I’m fully supportive of tumblers, but I do feel a responsibility to point out if a certain design (such as this one) is less than ideal or bad value for money. There are some fantastic ones out there

Although this composter is poor design you could try raising it off the ground and drill some more air holes into. Also since it looks a bit sludgy it definitely needs much more dry brown material.

@niallgardens

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info

We bought 2 tumblers. A total waste of money for all the reasons you mentioned. Last autumn we tried putting leaves in them which we hope will eventually break down to leaf mould and we will be able to get it out without too much trouble.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know that I'm not the only one!!

I can’t afford one let alone buy one so I v got the traditional one which takes a very long time to compost down but that might be down to me

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

No I don't think it's just you - I think everyone's in a similar boat 👍

Great video!!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Eilish! Hope you're keeping well!

my dog chewed my last on stand composter..I have never bothered to buy another..I like2 compost in a heap on the ground..

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Dogs.... they always get up to mischief don't they?! I know my two little Schnauzers do!

They have this wacky invention called a shovel that you can use to load the composter

Hi Niall, Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 I was given one for free from someone who tried and gave up. I agree with your 8 why nots! I'm giving it a go, but I think my easy compost with only 2 ingredients is easier. By the looks of the comments below, Not many (any) are going to be bought here.🌿💚🌿

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Peggy! Hope you're keeping well this week! Glad you agree with them because I was aware that I was going a bit controversial this week!

So 6 out of 8 reasons are all about the design of that particular composter

Thanks for your good advice! 👍 The producers of compost tumblers should watch your video. Maybe they could improve their products. But i'm totally with you. I guess compost tumblers are more for people who are catched by "clever" things with technical features. 😉🙈 These things often take loads of space and are not really usefull in daily practise. Because of the space limitation of our little balcony, i can't have a huge compost heap. So i use big bags of jute or garden bags which allow air exchange. I can store them under my raised beds when they are filled up. I mix the kitchen scraps (only organically grown) and green cuts from the balcony with beech leafs i get from the wood behind the house, coffee grounds with filterbags, crushed eggshells, kitchen towels and tissues from paper. No cardboard or newspaper - i don't like to use them because of the printing colours and glues. Till last summer i could use fur, claw cuttings and beddings from my little rabbit. But after 15 years, she passed unfortunately. Now i will collect some sheep poo when they come along twice a year on the huge meadows around. Here, on the Swabian Alb in south Germany, is still some sheep trail as a landscaping to keep the special kind of cultural nature. That reminds me in Ireland. I really love your country and sheeps are almost everywhere in the western part. 🐑😊 Sometimes just standing on the streets. 🐏🐑 So at least some of you might be able to find a good manure almost everywhere. I chop the green stuff in pretty little pieces. Small cuttings of banana peels i use for making teas to fertilize my plants. Afterwards they go to the compost bag as well. When everything is small cutted it breaks down much faster. For a better air radiation i usually mix it up completely every week and fresh scraps i also mix in. So it works really fast. Finally i have about 130 litres of compost from last year. Now i use it for my new little raised beds, to refesh the old raised bed with a top layer, and for new planting into my pots, just mixed up with the used potting soil and some biochar (just made some yesterday 😊). That's how my little circle system works.

Mines ended up being used for carbon storage, and occasionally overflow if my other bins are at capacity

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

That's an interesting use - and actually a great use!

Valid points on this composter - with the added benefit of that lovely accent - eeyat reasons!

I use two square black plastic bins (stupidly NOT put side by side). One big black plastic chest as a Bokashi soil factory, one subpod and an original wormery (the first style - the badly designed one). Still thinking about any better and bigger boxes. Love composting. LURVE YOUR SOIL GUYS!😂❤

You are very wrong. I made myself a rotating composter. It is electrical driven, It has a size from 3.500 liter. It has a door from 1,5 meter wide. I can load 500 kilo dead fish in it. I can load a huge amount of grass in it. Everytime when i Load it, the temperature rises to 60 degrees. In just 15 minutes.

I have a mantis tumbler which I bought second hand- new they are eye wateringly expensive. It’s on a frame so to empty it I just put a builders bag under it and tip it through the door ( which is a clip on door and not the nightmare of poor design yours has). Turning it is easy with a geared handle even despite my shoulder problems. I use it for kitchen scraps, begged coffee grounds, chicken litter, and grass cuttings and occasionally shredded garden material. It heats up really well. Liquid draining out is collected as liquid fertilizer. I turn it daily until the compost temperature reduces to ambient levels- in summer that’s just three weeks- and then empty it and let it sit for a few more weeks or use as a mulch in autumn or winter. The compost has never been perfect but also has never been unusable. I like it for food scraps as I can compost stuff that otherwise would be an open invitation to rats. I also have pallet compost bins, worm compost bins, sheet composting areas, leafmould heaps and chickens which shred garden material into wonderful compost. I do think the tumbler has an important part in my composting although it wouldn’t be enough on its own. Your tumbler is badly designed and I’m not at all surprised it was free. I could never justify paying full price for my tumbler though. And after all that I still never have as much compost as I’d like!

I have two of the largest Compost Wizards and love them. I only load mulched clippings of leaves, grass and kitchen scraps. The guy in this video doesn’t seem to understand how to use one by stuffing large unbroken pieces. The smaller units also do not get to critical mass to properly heat up the compost. Only get the largest ones unless you are weak or lazy. I have no problems tumbling the large tumblers when they are full. I expect gardening to have some effort, not light duty work like this video suggests gardening is.

It's the price of hot composters though... Quite crazy. I like the tumbler but I am new to this. Scotland doesn't really get very warm even in summer so I might need to use accelerators or add some red wrigglers.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I agree, hot composters are generally just too expensive. However... can I recommend my own homemade hot composter? I happen to have a video on how to make it! (What a shameless plug on my part hahaha!)

Sometimes, there are just no shortcuts or easy ways, and the traditional "heap" is best and easiest to manage...Steve...😃

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with you on that - I hot compost and I have a traditional heap and prefer both those methods. Sometimes these gadgets just feel like trying to reinvent the wheel!

@GreenSideUp

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens I think if your fit enough to tumble a barrel around and have enough dexterity (and finger/hand strength) to use that lid, then turning that traditional pile is better anyway, and a lot lot cheaper too...Steve...😃

I have an allotment with 3 pallet compost bins and 3 other black composters, they are great for the large amounts of compostable materials there, however at home I have a tiny yard with just a few pots and just enough room for a tumbler compost bin on a stand. In this situation I find it fits just perfectly, rats are not a problem although they abound locally, when I can't get to the allotment but need to empty my kitchen compost caddy this is the ideal place, then when I need the compost I either scoop it out for a pot or if I need more or to empty it I just turn it upside down, shake and shovel it up! I've had mine for 10 years now. Oh, and the lid on mine only takes a half turn to open or secure, plus I can place a tray underneath to catch the liquid compost....bonus liquid gold.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Great to know that you're having success with yours - I love hearing other people's experiences!

I think tumblers might be best for storing your autumn leaves to tumble them every so often. But it’s an expensive way to store them

@niallgardens

29 күн бұрын

I think you've got a very good point!

@anaveragemuppet

29 күн бұрын

@@niallgardens I’d love to say there’s more uses for them, but I can’t think of any! They get way too heavy

Oh man. Ok sooo I have one. what do I with it now?!? I need a video on how I make it work!!!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I might need to keep experimenting! Either that, or might have to workout an alternative use for it! 😃

@courtneyroberts84

2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if I added coconut coir and earthworms to the bin once the weather warms up, if the worms could survive and thusly whether it would help accelorate material decomposition.

What about other brands? This one definitely seems a bit naff

Good video,I don’t have a compost bin

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Caroline! Hope you're well!

They look like hell! My only suggestion is maybe use it for just leaves & use for Leafmould. Great video Niall.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I'd be very tempted to do that, though I may just spread the love and give the compost tumbler away to someone else to try!! 😂

@TheGrowUpChannel

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens haha! Very generous of you 🤣🤣

Not me watching this right after getting my composted

Oh Niall I think your funding grants from The Compost Tumbling Society of Ireland might have just been cancelled.😂 Incidentally I totally agree - and - as for its design why did it not have (for instance) detachable ball joints [lubricated] instead of a linear axle and handles! & all for a puny 200 litres. For £140 you could get about 560 litres of ready made compost. RUBBISH!

Much the same complaints with my Compost Daleks! Awkward to mix; awkward to get compost out via the bottom flap, so I’d use a spade via the top which is okay for the upper layers; then makes a huge mess when you take the cover off to really get into the contents. So last year I just followed #GardeningTube and screwed some gnarly old pallets together. Easily 4x the capacity and so accessible! I’ll probably still sieve the ready to use compost from the ballet bay into the Daleks as external storage, since I don’t want to waste them. At least until I can acquire enough pallets to make a second pallet bay. Compost is a fun and critical challenge, isn’t it!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

It really is such a challenge isn't it? But a fun one at the same time! Yeah for me it's a combination of a big open heap inside pallets and my hot composter!

The best compost system is with a variety of composters for different inputs - horses for courses. I think a 70 or so litre barrel is about as much as one can comfortably handle. I've seen a dual chamber compost tumbler on a raised frame where each chamber is 70L and rotates independently, although the opening looked quite small. Good for kitchen scraps and spoilt veg/fruit. One of those placed in the sun and inocculated with a bit of old compost or earth and watered with molasses water would make compost very fast. Monty from the My Family Garden channel did a great video (kzread.info/dash/bejne/iGx4m8mvf8-ne7g.html) on making very fast compost on a small scale from grass clippings and leaves, but it also works for kitchen scraps with a change in setup. Be sure to also watch the Q&A/tips follow-on video linked to at the end of that video. The way I reduce the size of the particles fairly quickly to speed up the process is with a large Ridgemonkey Advanced Boilie Crusher. It's like a large hand crank herb mill with a bucket below. Also quickly crumbles dry leaves, though not suitable for woody or fibrous material.

Like your coat!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Why thank you!

Trench composting can be handy. Do you ever try that? The pig compost tumbler looks ok,....very expensive though

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I actually haven't trench-composted before, though I've read up on it. I love how many different techniques there are - it's great fun isn't it?!

I was worried you'll end up braking your fingers between opening, closing and trying to turn this toy 😂 No way I'd have the patience to manhandle a piece of plastic. I'd be like you and stick with a pallet bins or a hot composer 👍

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree - I think there are better, simpler, cheaper options out there!

Thanks. I was going to buy this brand of composter. I won’t be now 😂

Agree. Hot Bin Composting is the way to go!!

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a big fan of the ol' hot composting!

I follow Huw Richards....says give you a shout out. 🤗

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Linda! Thanks so much for coming across my channel! Welcome!

They should put this as a JML style video beside these tumblers in B&Q 🤣

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I'd say that'd go down a treat! hahahahaha!

A compost bin with open base is fine if you put a mesh under it. They sell them with holes big enough for worms but not for rodents. Just in case that helps anyone with rodent worries.

@niallgardens

Жыл бұрын

Good call, thanks Christina!

I would turn that into a worm bin

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

That could be an interesting use of it! Thanks!

Hey Guys!! Have you ever heard of "Drunken Composting" ?? 14 days only

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I have indeed! Though I haven't given it a go yet!

My HOA bans composting. I'm still curious why this method is less than ideal. I clicked anyway. I'll still find ways to compost a little.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully you do find a method that works nicely for you. Just in case, this video might be of interest to you? kzread.info/dash/bejne/e2qjzbt-ktS_aM4.html

@melissamybubbles6139

2 жыл бұрын

@@niallgardens Thank you. Watching now. If you have mulch down, do you move it to put compost underneath?

Having a small garden, this will be a both big and ugly thing, difficult to hide. We already have an ugly hot compost bin, and our best decision has been to accept our limitations and shut it down during our cold, wet, snowy winters. Then the kitchen worms take the most of our scraps, and give us fertilizer for the house plants.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with your thinking Anita - cold winters can certainly be tricky

you have been using it wrong. compost, or rather HOT compost, needs to be prepared in ONE GO. it means, dump your mix of stuff in it, tumble it for a month, use the compost. this means every month you are gonna need a separate bin to gather your material (kitchen waste), and at the end of the month add some leaves and grass to it and fill up the new batch in the tumbler. in this way: - the material will all heat at once and you will have the real benefits of hot compost, killing weeds and seeds. if you add material gradually and progressively heat will not happen. - it won't become heavy, one full batch of not composted material is actually not that heavy. easy tumbling. easy unloading. the down side is needing one small bin and one tumbling bin. but the result is gonna be real hot compost. progressively adding material will only create cold compost, which is ... fine! but if cold compost is your goal, then indeed stick to a pile or a large dumping bin.

I get the message! 😹👏👌

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! I got quite passionate about it! 😂

@ulrikahogberg6477

2 жыл бұрын

And I liked it. A lot! 😅🥰

There are more practical types of tumble composters, but those are also more expensive.

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, totally agree!

Okay unsold my fb marketplace deal 😅

@niallgardens

2 жыл бұрын

Ha! Good call!

sticky wet anaerobic compost! yuck. Yummy brownie mix though!

@niallgardens

29 күн бұрын

Oh yeah!

@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885

29 күн бұрын

@@niallgardens I had this yesterday - so I started doing "Mycoremediation" - I put in Oyster mushroom mycelium. I did my composting toilet and then a bin I had set up to "finish" off the composting toilet material - only it had not really composted much yet. I only had added straw. So now - they are testing these "MycoToilets" now - there's research on it. It is proven to eat up the e. coli bacteria in one week and gets rid of smell.