Composting is a sustainable way to manage kitchen scraps and yard waste, turning them into rich, organic matter for your garden. A compost tumbler makes this process quicker and easier by regularly aerating the compost. Building your own 55-gallon compost tumbler is a budget-friendly project that provides you with an efficient, easy-to-use system for creating nutrient-rich compost.
Why a Compost Tumbler?
Composting can be done in open piles or bins, but a tumbler offers several advantages:
Faster Decomposition: Regular turning aerates the compost, allowing microorganisms to break down materials quicker.
Pest Prevention: Enclosed systems keep pests like rodents or insects away.
Neat and Compact: A tumbler contains the compost neatly, making it ideal for small spaces or urban gardens.
Materials You’ll Need:
55-Gallon Plastic Drum: Ensure it’s food-grade and has never contained hazardous materials.
PVC Pipe or Steel Rod (for the axle): Around 1-1.5 inches in diameter, long enough to span the width of the drum with some extra on each side.
4 Cinder Blocks or a Sturdy Frame: To support the tumbler.
Drill and Drill Bits: For ventilation and mounting holes.
Bolts, Nuts, and Washers: To attach the axle and hinges.
Hinges and Latch: To create an easy-access door for adding and removing compost.
Handles (optional): To help turn the tumbler more easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the 55-Gallon Drum
Clean the drum thoroughly if it previously contained any substances.
Identify where you want the door to go (roughly a quarter of the drum’s surface). Cut out a rectangular door using a jigsaw, large enough for easy filling and emptying, around 12-14 inches wide.
Install the hinges on one side of the cut-out piece and the latch on the opposite side to secure it back in place.
Step 2: Add Ventilation Holes
Drill several 1/2-inch holes around the body of the drum to provide airflow. This will help aerate the compost and reduce odor. Ensure the holes are spaced evenly to promote even airflow.
Step 3: Install the Axle
Drill two holes directly opposite each other, near the top and bottom of the drum, for the PVC pipe or steel rod axle.
Insert the rod or pipe through these holes, ensuring it extends out on both sides for mounting onto the cinder block or frame.
Secure the rod with washers and bolts to prevent it from shifting during use.
Step 4: Mount the Tumbler
Place two cinder blocks on each side to create the support system. Rest the drum’s axle on these blocks so that the drum can rotate freely.
Alternatively, if using a frame, ensure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the tumbler when full.
Step 5: Add Turning Handles (Optional)
For easier tumbling, attach handles to the sides of the drum. You can use pre-made handles or create your own with sturdy rope or tubing. These will help give you better leverage when turning the drum.
How to Use Your Compost Tumbler
Fill the Tumbler: Add kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other compostable materials. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods, as they can attract pests and slow down decomposition.
Turn Regularly: Rotate the drum a few times every 2-3 days to mix the materials and aerate the compost. The more frequently you turn it, the faster the composting process.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Your compost should be damp but not soggy. If it becomes too dry, add water; if too wet, add more dry materials like leaves or cardboard.
Harvest Compost: Depending on conditions, your compost could be ready in as little as 2-3 months. When the compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, it’s ready to be added to your garden.
Benefits of DIY Compost Tumblers
Cost-effective: Pre-made compost tumblers can be expensive, but building your own with a 55-gallon drum cuts costs dramatically.
Customizable: You can modify your tumbler to suit your specific needs, like adding extra ventilation or handles.
Eco-friendly: This project promotes recycling and upcycling, contributing to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Building a 55-gallon DIY compost tumbler is a practical, rewarding project for any gardener looking to make the most of their organic waste. With minimal tools and materials, you can create an efficient composting system that will provide you with high-quality compost for years to come.
Maintenance Tips for Your Compost Tumbler
Once your 55-gallon compost tumbler is up and running, you’ll need to maintain it properly to ensure it works efficiently and produces high-quality compost. Here are some tips to keep your tumbler functioning at its best:
Balance Your Compost Ingredients
Composting requires a good balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps and grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, paper, and cardboard). A good rule of thumb is to aim for a ratio of about 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. This balance helps maintain proper decomposition without odors or excessive moisture.
Turn the Tumbler Regularly
Frequent turning is key to maintaining airflow in your compost, which speeds up the breakdown process. Make it a habit to turn the drum at least two to three times per week. Turning more often can accelerate the composting process and ensure that all parts of the pile are evenly broken down.
Check Moisture Levels
Compost should be moist, but not soaking wet. If your compost is too dry, it will slow down the decomposition process. If it’s too wet, it can become smelly and slimy. The “squeeze test” is a simple way to check moisture levels:
Grab a handful of compost and squeeze it. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If water drips out, add more dry materials; if it’s too dry, add a little water or more green materials.
Monitor Temperature
A well-functioning compost pile heats up as microorganisms break down organic matter. The ideal temperature for composting is between 130-160°F (55-71°C). If your compost pile isn’t heating up, it might need more green materials or moisture. If it gets too hot, simply aerate more by turning the tumbler.
Harvest Finished Compost
Once your compost is fully decomposed, it will have a rich, dark, and crumbly texture with an earthy smell.
Depending on the frequency of turning and the balance of materials, composting in a tumbler can take anywhere from a few months to half a year. When it’s ready, use the door you installed to easily access the finished compost and add it to your garden beds, potted plants, or lawn.
Troubleshooting Common Composting Issues
Sometimes, composting doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues you may encounter and how to fix them:
Foul Odors
A strong, unpleasant smell is often a sign that the compost is too wet or has too much green material. Add more browns like dry leaves or shredded newspaper and turn the compost to increase airflow.
Compost Not Breaking Down
If your compost is not decomposing, it could be due to a lack of nitrogen (greens) or not enough moisture. Add more greens or water to balance the ingredients. Turning the pile more frequently can also help reinvigorate the breakdown process.
Pests
While a well-maintained compost tumbler should deter pests, sometimes flies, ants, or other insects can become a problem. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods, and ensure your tumbler is closed securely. Adding a layer of browns on top of your greens can also reduce the chance of attracting pests.
Benefits of Compost for Your Garden
The finished product from your DIY compost tumbler is a nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer that can dramatically improve the health of your garden soil. Here are some of the benefits of using compost in your garden:
Improves Soil Structure
Compost improves the structure of all types of soils. In sandy soils, it helps retain moisture, while in clay soils, it improves drainage. Compost adds organic matter, which helps soil stay loose and easy to work with.
Increases Nutrient Content
Compost is packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. These nutrients are released slowly, providing a steady supply for your plants over time.
Boosts Microbial Activity
Compost introduces beneficial microorganisms into the soil. These microbes help break down organic matter, making nutrients more readily available to plants and improving overall soil health.
Reduces Need for Chemical Fertilizers
By adding compost to your garden, you reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. This not only saves money but also protects the environment from the potential negative effects of chemical runoff.
Helps with Water Retention
Soils enriched with compost can retain water more effectively, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting healthier plant growth. This is especially beneficial in drought-prone areas or for gardens with water restrictions.
Building a 55-gallon compost tumbler is a simple, cost-effective DIY project that can transform how you manage your organic waste. By composting, you’re not only reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills, but you’re also creating nutrient-rich compost that can boost the health of your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this DIY compost tumbler will make composting easier and more efficient. With just a little effort and the right materials, you’ll have a fully functioning compost system that can supply you with high-quality compost for years to come.
Now that you have your own tumbler, what are you waiting for? Start composting and enjoy the benefits of a thriving garden!
