If you’re new to composting or want to expand your composting efforts, Compost Tumbler Bins are a great way to do your part in changing your environment for the better.

What is composting?

Composting is a natural process that turns organic material into a dark rich substance. This substance, called compost or humus, is a wonderful conditioner for your soil.

There are many different reasons why you should be composting with compost tumbler bins:

Healthier Plants

Organic matter is known as the “soul of a healthy soil.” Adding compost to your yard or garden will help your plants grow bigger and better. The organic matter in compost helps soil hold on to nutrients and water which benefits your plants while reducing the risk of pollution.

Composting is Practical and Convenient

No need to bother bagging leaves and other garden/yard wastes. Simply add them to your backyard pile or bin and watch these items turn into rich dark humus.

Composting Saves You Money

Using compost as a soil conditioner or mulch reduces your need to purchase these lawn and garden products.  Composting in your backyard may reduce your trash removal costs. Many sanitation companies charge customers by the bag. Your compost tumbler bin could decrease the number of bags your household generates.

Alternative to Land Fills or Incinerating Methods

Our yard and garden wastes account for almost 20% of the total amount of trash thrown away each year. Your choice to compost utilizing a compost tumbler bin reduces the need to burn or bury organic material and increases the quality of our precious topsoil.

From http://organiclifestyles.tamu.edu

There are two main types of composting: Aerobic and Anaerobic:

Aerobic composting is the most common method of decomposition. The organisms that break down organic matter aerobically need large quantities of oxygen to maintain the chemical reaction.  Aerobic decomposition happens in nature all of the time, but without intervention it can be a slow process. Man-made aerobic compost piles that are turned regularly to maintain high oxygen levels can turn out finished compost in as little as two months.

Anaerobic composting occurs when organic matter is placed in an enclosed area with limited access to oxygen. The organic material actually begins to ferment as it breaks down.  The anaerobic process of composting can be very foul smelling because the decomposition gives off hydrogen sulfide gas byproduct which could take at least a year or more to completely compost. That’s a long time to deal with a stench even if it is for a good cause. Utilizing compost tumbler bins as your composting source will eliminate this problem.

So to be clear, the kind of composting that is far more popular, easier and faster is the aerobic process.

A compost tumbler bin is an excellent method for aerobic composting. These handy little gadgets are designed in a cylindrical shape and spin on an axis while creating all the necessary oxygen for the aerobic composting process to take effect.  Compost tumblers are available online or in hardware and garden stores. They are easy to assemble and come with complete instructions on how to successfully set up your first compost batch.

Compost Tumbler Bins

So, you might wonder what materials are actually used and can break down into your compost tumbler bins.  Here is a list of common items that can be placed in a compost tumbler bin:

Yard Trimmings

Dead leaves

Grass clippings

Dead flowers

Saw dust

Chopped hay or straw

Aquarium plants

Vegetable peelings

Old bread

Cooked rice and pasta

Kitchen scraps

To begin using your new compost tumbler bin, it’s always a good idea to add some bulking materials to help build up adequate bacteria levels quickly. Prior to placing any composting materials to the bin, add in some peat moss or materials that have already been completely composted.

When you have completed a composting cycle, take that rich compost material and add it to your garden soil and see the effect it will have on the production of your plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits. Keep your compost tumbler bin handy year round and have endless mulch and compost for all your gardening needs.