So, here are our lists of what you should and shouldn’t do to make compost. A great companion to our home composting guide.

Do’s

• compost all organic, and raw matter
• compost raw bones
• compost Dog poop
• use a kitchen compost pail
• layer the various materials
• ensure the compost is always damp
• keep the heat as high as possible
• save all your kitchen scraps, even coffee grounds
• compost all year
• compost animal waste
• compost cat poop, horse poo, all kinds of poo
• add paper and card
• make sure the matter is well aerated

Dont’s

• compost cooked bones
• add food if pests can get access to the heap
• listen to people that say you can’t compost animal waste
• let the temperature get too low, read composting in cold weather for some tips
• throw away kitchen scraps
• pile on huge amounts of  the same organic matter in one go
• compact everything so it can’t breathe
• let it dry out
• use accelerators, if you mix up your materials you don’t need them

And there we have it, all the do’s and don’ts of composting that you should ever need.

Keep the pile hot and never use the compost until it is completely crumbly and you won’t have to worry about dangerous bacteria or anything else. If it is organic that it can be composted safely as long as you ensure that you wait until the whole process is finished. If the end result is crumbly to the touch, and almost black in color, then it is suitable for the garden or the vegetable plot.

But composting in the Winter can be a different matter altogether. I have a few great tips however, that are going to allow you to compost right the way through the year and ensure that you always have a steady supply of compost for your needs.

There are two main ways to carry on composting in cold weather. One is slightly, well, much better than the other, and is a lot less unsightly too.

Compost Tumblers For Cold Weather Composting

See our best compost tumbler article for a great model we recommend. But actually all the popular models are going to deliver the same result. Great compost in cooler weather.

Compost tumblers make the whole process of composting in general a lot easier, but for this article we are concentrating on the benefits for the cold. The large surface area is going to soak up the available heat, and this is going to keep the organic matter inside nice and hot. So that processes continue. But more than this it is the design of these drums themselves that is going to help us out.

Rather than letting the matter inside just sit there, we simply turn the drum a few times a week. This evens out the heat distribution inside and will raise up the temperature very quickly.

Add to this the fact that as we have a closed system. The cold is never going to penetrate like it would on an open heap.

The even temperature inside thanks to the unique way these systems work is going to ensure that our compost carries on breaking down and it means we can get compost all through the year.

At the most all that you are going to have to do is to site it in the warmest spot and remember to rotate the drum on occasion.

And if you want to go the extra mile then you could even wrap some form of fleece around the whole thing. Although this option should only be needed in the coolest of conditions.

The Other Alternative

Our other option is really a continuation of what was just mentioned. And this is for those that are composting with a traditional heap. We need to keep the temperature up and this is going to mean insulation. A few layers of fleece or even old carpet is going to allow the pile to stay hot and to continue its internal processes.

So all that you are going to have to do is to ensure that you keep your pile covered and protected from the frost and severe cold weather.

Personally there is no question of what I would recommend. A tumbler is able to let you compost with the least amount of fuss. It allows you to compost very quickly too. Plus with the turning of the drum the matter inside is sure to stay hot and carry on working.

Plus compost tumblers are a lot less unsightly than a compost heap in the corner of the garden And accessing the finished product is a lot less back-breaking too.

In this article we will take a look at the simple steps that you need to follow to ensure that you get the best quality compost possible, but with the least amount of effort as well.

How To Compost With A Compost Tumbler

The main thing to bear in mind is that the end result is only ever going to be as good as the organic matter that you use. We talk about what to compost here so there is no need to repeat it in this article. Suffice to say that you need to use a good mix of organic matter. See the composting do’s and dont’s article for more great tips as well.

Layering The Matter

So, we know what we should use to make compost but we also need to make certain that we get a nice mixture of layers added in over time. Although a compost tumbler is going to churn everything up, and distribute the various matter evenly over time, it does not mean that we should go ahead and just fill it up with grass clippings to start with.

We want the whole process to be as easy and quick as possible.

To that end it is best to add in just a bucket or so of one material at a time. Then the next time you go to add in matter ensure that it is something different. It may be grass clippings one day, ash from a fire the next, and your kitchen waste the next. And this is why the Norpro countertop compost keeper is worth its weight in gold. Collect all raw organic waste from the kitchen and add it to the tumbler once the bucket is full.

By ensuring that you keep adding in a steady supply of mixed ingredients you will find that the process of turning it all into a rich and finished compost is accomplished in the shortest possible time frame.

All the various ingredients react together to work in the fastest possible way.

Spinning The Drum

This is really at the heart of ensuring that you get the best results, and fast. Often is as short a period as 4 weeks. Every time that you add in some new matter you should turn the drum a few times. We recommend something like the Achla CMP-05 as it is horizontal. We need to spin the drum a  few times a week so using a horizontal model means that any effort is taken out of the equation. Gravity works with us not against us like in some vertical models, so no muscle power is needed. As you can see in the above image for a related model.

If you simply add in a variety of matter regularly, and spin the drum often too, then there is not much more that you need to know about using a composting tumbler.

The rest is just a matter of waiting.

Once the container is full then it is still worth rotating it once or twice a week. You are chopping up the matter into small pieces, ensuring you get an even heat distribution, and this speeds up the whole process. In a few weeks you will be ready to use the compost on your garden in whatever way you see fit.

Rather than go through the whole range it seems to make sense to stick to the top 5, if you would like to go through all possible options then we recommend looking at the compost tumblers category to see everything that is available.

Best Large Compost Tumblers: The Top 5

1.

Tumbleweed Compost tumbler

The Tumbleweed compost tumbler is a simple yet very efficient compost tumbler and one that sells extremely well.

And if you read our review you will see exactly why.

Not only is it more than affordable it is built to be very sturdy and is certainly perfect for everyone that wishes to make a good amount of compost in a very short space of time.

See the Tumbleweed compost tumbler page for more information.

We are sure you will be more than happy if this is your final decision. You can pick from black or green, simply depending on what appeals to you the best. We prefer black is the extra heat generated usually ensures that compost is made in the shortest time period.

2.

Achla CMP-05

The Achla CMP-05 is our favorite of the bunch but not currently the bestseller (although it was previously), which does kind of come as a surprise. As it is a vertical model it is certainly very easy to use.

A simple spin of the drum requires little effort and it is one of the cheapest options too.

It may simply be that it requires a little more space than other models which stops it from being the most popular, but the price more than makes up for this.

It is definitely the easiest model to use. Read more details on the Achla compost tumbler page.

3.

Lifetime Compost Tumbler

The Lifetime compost tumbler is another horizontal model, but slightly more compact looking than the Achla.

Still more than enough capacity for nearly every garden.

And the great low price makes it another option certainly worthy of interest.

Horizontal models are our favorites, so read our review to see just why.

See the Lifetime compost tumbler review for a lot more information.

It looks great and is certainly going to give compost in just a few short weeks. Nice and compact yet with a large capacity makes this one of the best choices for the home gardener.

4.

Mantis Dual Chamber

The Mantis dual chamber compost tumbler is something a little different.

It may be more expensive but it is the most versatile of all models.

Ideal for those that want to make a maximum amount of compost with a minimal amount of fuss.

The ability to fill up one chamber and then move on to the next makes it the best way to always have a steady supply of compost that is ready to use.

See the Mantis dual chamber compost tumbler review for more information.

This is a large drum and unfortunately it is reflected in the price, but there is no doubt that for the avid gardener it is a fine pick indeed.

5.

Envirocylce Compost Tumbler

The Envirocycle compost tumbler is last but by no means least.

The unusual thing about this model is that it looks small but holds a great capacity.

It is perfect for the home composting fan as it takes up minimal space but is very easy to use and it is certainly very effective.

If you want one of the cheapest compost tumblers then this is a great pick.

See the Envirocycle compost tumbler review page for more information.

More Information: Video Reviews

It seems appropriate to show videos that we have found on Youtube of our top 5. It saves you having to search around there, as frankly, a lot of the ones we found were simply promotional with no real information at all.

Take a look and see the compost tumblers in action to see what you feel will be your best pick.

1.

Tumbleweed

Take a look at this Tumbleweed compost tumbler video review for more details.

2.
Achla

Not the best video, but the only one we could find. A shame because we love it so much. Take a quick look anyway at this Achla compost tumbler video review.

3.
Lifetime

A great Lifetime compost tumbler video review that really shows how easy it is to use. Great stuff!

4.
Mantis

See the benefits of a dual chamber model with this great Mantis dual chamber compost tumbler video review. Just ignore their prices and sales patter, our chosen supplier is cheaper!

5.
Envirocycle

See just how easy it is to assemble the Envirocycle with this short Envirocycle compost tumbler video review.

Hopefully our guides on the relevant pages and the videos, some good, some not so, will allow you to make an informed decision about just what the best large compost tumbler to buy really is.

This is basically down to one common problem:

Moisture

At the heart of any successful compost is a balance of good organic matter, the more the variety the better, and adequate moisture. It is why we love the compost tumbler so much, it allows us to ensure that we never get the matter too wet and end up with nothing more than a soggy mess!

So many people who compost on open compost heaps simply never get optimal results. This is because they either allow the heap to get too wet or they live somewhere dry where there is not enough rain to keep the heap moist.

The absolute best way to get perfect compost is to use a compost tumbler or other sealed container so that we can control how wet the matter becomes.

This does not have to be technical and it certainly does not need to be measured, such things simply are not needed. But what is needed is some form of moisture.

How Wet Does A Compost Heap Need To Be

It really does not need to be too wet. If you compost on an open pile then the best thing to do is to cover it with an old carpet and not let too much rain get in. This works very well and will certainly improve the end product no end. In fact it can be the difference between getting any kind of positive result or not.

Compost Tumblers For Good Compost

We recommend that you use some form of sealed container and a compost tumbler is about as good as it gets, although, of course, there are other compost bin options available too.

If you use a compost tumbler or another receptacle then you need to ensure that the organic matter stays moist. Many people take this to the extreme and add in water on a very regular basis. This stops the process of composting from being successful so it is certainly not advised.

Moisture In Organic Matter

Many things you add to the soon to be compost contain enough moisture without any extra being added. If you can mix up what you add as much as possible then you may find that no extra moisture is needed at all. A fine example of this would be if you added lawn clippings once a week. Especially if you are not the one who does the mowing!

Combined with other moist organic matter most people will find that no added water is needed.

The problem arises as most people simply do not add enough variety to their composter and it does not contain enough moisture.

What We Recommend

If you simply do not have access to enough variety of matter, although a Kitchen compost pail should ensure that you do, then the absolute best thing is to add a small amount of liquid to the composter.

You do not want to add in too much though. Just enough so that the content is damp, never sodden.

In an effort to always ensure we do not waste water, at our home we use water that has been sued to wash the dishes with. Rather than pouring down the sink why not take advantage of what is actually aТ very nutrient rich concoction and pour some on to the composter?

It works absolute wonders.

So, a few simple things to ensure that you have the absolute best compost possible:

• A mixture of organic matter
• Add different matter at different times to layer the contents
• Never let it dry out
• Never let it get too wet
• Add washing-up water to maintain moisture and add in excellent nutrients too

If these few simple steps are followed then you will find that you have the best compost imaginable. It really does not need to be scientific and exact, just ensuring it never dries out or gets constantly soaked by the rain is enough to provide you with more compost than you will ever need. And if you use a compost tumbler all of this can be achieved in a matter of just a few short weeks too.

Compost Wizard Junior

The compost Wizard Jr is a very popular item. Small, but still with adequate capacity for normal composting needs.

It has 7 cubic feet compared to he larger version which has 12. And the smaller capacity is certainly shown in the price.

This is absolutely perfect for those that want great compost but really don’t need to produce on a very large scale at all.

Click For The Compost Wizard Jr. Price

The link above points to amazon since we have found they are offering great prices on compost tumblers at the moment.

Envirocycle Mini Composter

And for something that looks slightly different then we have the always popular Envirocycle mini composter. This is a very easy to use system and makes compost extremely quickly.

This is by far our favorite in terms of ease of use. The specialist rollers in the base make spinning it a totally stress free affair. You need no strength or pwoere, ther rollers do all the work for you.

You can even spin it with a single finger, the rollers work that well!

Click for the current amazon price

But if you want a small compost tumbler that really has the wow factor then a smaller version of the ecomposter is perfect.

CompoSpin Composter

The CompoSpin looks more like garden sculpture than anything else and it is certainly just about perfect for anyone who only wants to make a limited amount of compost.

A great low price makes this a cheap compost tumbler small enough for any size of garden.

If it is aesthetics that you are after then we can’t recommend anything else. With the CompoSpin composter you won’t need to be hiding it behind a bush or hedge. In fact we have seen people complementing owners on the sculpture in their garden, they never even realized it was a composter!

CompoSpin Price and Details

If you do want a small compost tumbler then either of these models should suit you perfectly. There are also many other options that you can view by clicking any link for these three small composters, and the low prices make them more than affordable.

Whatever you decide on one thing is for sure, you are going to make a very high quality of compost with these small compost tumblers. The CompoSpin link above takes you to amazon since they offer great prices on this, and many other compost tumblers.

Picking A Small Compost Tumbler

If you want a cheap small composter then simply make sure that it is going to be easy to use. We always recommend that you know your strengths. Not all of us are able to manage something that may get weighed down at the base. Or something that requires us to dig out the compsot. Think about the design and how easy it will be to use. It will save you making the wrong decision in the long run.

We will take a look at the options available and first up is one that is getting more and more popular every day. And that is worm farm composting.

Indoor Worm Composting

Composting indoors with worms has had a lot of press lately and it is becoming very popular. It is particularly popular with those that have children. It is a great way to teach them about the benefits of recycling our organic garbage and also to get them up close and personal with nature.

It makes for a great fun project for the whole family and the end results are really rather amazing.

Worm farm composting is also great for anyone that has limited space but wants to produce a high quality compost without leaving the house.

We have written a number of articles about the best worm composters to buy, and at some great prices, so please see the Worm Factory DS range and the Worm Factory 360 for some inspirational worm based compost making.

If getting that close to slimy beasties is not your idea of fun (although they are never going to escape and there is no smell) then no need to worry, there are some slightly different alternatives to making compost indoors that cost little but produce some amazing results.

How To Make Compost Indoors

We have a few options for making compost in the house that do not involve anything but our use of organic matter and a great product to turn our waste in to excellent compost. The most popular is currently a form of pickling. Yes, it sounds odd but is actually a very sound principle.

The idea is that you add all kitchen waste to a special bucket. This can be raw or cooked. You then add in layers of a special mix to get the whole process working. You have a drainage tap on the front that allows you to collect a very rich liquid nutrient for feeding plants.

Once full you simply leave it for a week to ferment and then it is off to the garden. Of course we can’t simply make the bucket ourselves as a very tight fitting lid and a great design is a must. Luckily we have written extensively about what you need and it is as simple as reading the Bokashi compost bucket article and buying the cheap product that you need.

So, there you have it. Great ways to make compost in the house. There are electrical systems available but to be honest the price is prohibitively expensive and the quantities of compost made don’t really justify the expense. We recommend the above resources and if you do try worm composting you will be amazed at both the end results and the fact that there is no smell or mess. We were just kidding about all the goo!

Happy indoor composting.

Click for Sun-Mar 200 new improved version and great price

We recommend checking amazon for up to date pricing since they have some great deals on composters. Just looking at this great composter we can see that it is built to withstand the harshest of the elements and is extremely sturdy. In fact it is kind of built like a tank! This is one compost tumbler that is going to stay exactly where you put it.

Sun-Mar Rotating Compost Bin

We will find that the drum is designed to rotate very smoothly on a set of bearings, making the rotating that is so important very easy. Being able to rotate the drum a few times a week is at the heart of how composting tumblers can make such high quality compost in such a short space of time. And with the Sun-Mar it is simplicity itself.

It is just another reason why we love the horizontal models so much. They never get bottom heavy and they never make it a chore to rotate them. For people who want to compost with a bad back then the Sun Mar 200 and options like the Achla are certainly what we heartily recommend.

Special Features of the Sun-Mar

This is a very unique compost tumbler. With a special patented design the compost comes out automatically as it is ready. Every time we add organic matter we can give it a quick rotation and then thanks to the special design the compost that is ready will automatically empty out.

This is a very unique feature and one that has never been seen before.

Sun Mar 200 Rotating Compost Bin Reviews

The Sun-Mar compost bin reviews are very positive. Once you begin to use it the right way you will find that this is one of the most practical and simple to use composting tumblers on the market.

With a very robust build indeed there is no doubt that this offers some of the absolute best value for money currently on offer.

Low Profile

We don’t all want our compost bins or tumblers sticking out like a sore thumb in the garden. And this is another pretty much exclusive feature of the Sun Mar. It is low profile, meaning it can be hidden behind relatively low growing shrubbery and never be seen.

This is a major advantage for those with limited space or for anyone that just wants to hide their composter out of sight.

Click for low price from our favored supplier

With a compost guide included and a compost bin specifically designed to get a great internal heat for speedy final results the Bosmere garden compost bin is a very good choice. Well aerated for maximum efficiency and with a simple hinged lid for quick access this is a very well designed product. We are not looking at anything here but a simple and very effective way to make compost. Sometimes simple is best. And this is exactly what this is. A high quality option built to last, but with no frills.

Bosmere Merit Compost Bin

With the Bosmere compost bin price being very affordable you can guarantee that it will more than live up to expectations.

With two bottom sliding doors for easy access to our great quality compost it is simplicity itself to empty it out. Quite similar to the Soilsaver compost bin there are no need for tools to assemble this model.

If you want a great quality compost bin that is quick to assemble and very sturdy then this is the  best option.

Simple But Effective

Buy the Bosmere compost bin and made some fantastic compost in a short space of time. It basically has all that you need if you do not want to buy a compsot tumbler but want something that is going to keep odors down. But more importantly it also keeps pests away. A closed system like this that has a strong lid and sides is the absolute best way to stop animals making a total mess in the garden.

Click for prices and reviews

The urban compost tumbler is available from amazon via the link above. The tumbling composter prices are very good, especially when we realize just how heavy duty this really is. We are also buying a product that is made from 100% recycled materials which does our green credentials no end of good. But it is the rugged build, and the no nonsense approach to design, and durability, that makes the purchase of this option very highly recommended.

Urban Compost Tumbler

Let’s look at some of the benefits if we do decide to buy this most popular of composters.

We will certainly find that this is one of the most sought after composters for a number of very good reasons.

• Made in the USA from recycled materials
• Quick to assemble (10 mins)
• Less need for additional water
• Makes compost in record time
• Heavy duty
• Comes with a guide

A Look At Customer Reviews

If you take a look at the urban compost tumbler reviews via the link we have then you will see that they are somewhat varied. There is no doubt that this is a very high quality and sturdy product but some people simply do not seem to be getting the results that they should be. Although those happy with the product often buy two. It is a great idea, as is buying the two chamber compost tumbler.

This is actually a relatively simple issue to address.

We need to ensure (whatever compost tumbler we buy) that we compost in the right way. The best compost tumbler in the world will not work well unless you follow some simple guidelines. And this is basically down to adding a varied mixture of organic matter. We have written a guide so that you will always be able to make the best possible compost from the products that you use. See our composting basics guide to ensure that you never have any problems making excellent compost in a just a few week using the urban compost bin tumbler.