There is also liquid coming out through the opened slats when I turn the drum. It is a bit messy. Is it compost tea and when the drum sits in a normal position, does the tea go through the slats into the base automatically? Sorry I asked many questions. This is my first composter and my first (little) garden. There is also liquid coming out through the opened slats when I turn the drum. It is a bit messy. Is it compost tea and when the drum sits in a normal position, does the tea go through the slats... » Read More There is also liquid coming out through the opened slats when I turn the drum. It is a bit messy. Is it compost tea and when the drum sits in a normal position, does the tea go through the slats into the base automatically? Sorry I asked many questions. This is my first composter and my first (little) garden. « Show Less
1502123
Yes, the slats are intended for the liquid to drain into the bottom reservoir when it sits in the upright position. If liquid is coming out when you rotate the composter to mix things up - your "wet" ingredient ratio may be too high.
1502124
Yes it's compost tea coming out through the open slats when you turn the drum. In the instruction manual it mentions how to plug the holes in the base part to either allow the compost tea to collect in the base or drain into the ground underneath. I've got mine plugged to collect in the base (sorry I don't remember which configuration that was). If there's too much compost tea in the base, it's supposed to drain into the ground anyways. I've used the tea to water some plants and it looked very rich in nutrients. It sounds like your compost might be too wet. I haven't had any come out when I turn the bin. You can add some more "browns" like straw or dead brown leaves to help dry it out. Hope this helps! Yes it's compost tea coming out through the open slats when you turn the drum. In the instruction manual it mentions how to plug the holes in the base part to either allow the compost tea to collect in the base or drain into the ground underneath. I've got mine plugged to collect in the base (sorry I don't remember which configuration that was). If there's too much compost tea in the base, it's supposed to drain into the ground anyways. I've used the tea to water some plants and it looked very rich in nutrients. It sounds like your compost might be too wet. I haven't had any come out when I... » Read More Yes it's compost tea coming out through the open slats when you turn the drum. In the instruction manual it mentions how to plug the holes in the base part to either allow the compost tea to collect in the base or drain into the ground underneath. I've got mine plugged to collect in the base (sorry I don't remember which configuration that was). If there's too much compost tea in the base, it's supposed to drain into the ground anyways. I've used the tea to water some plants and it looked very rich in nutrients. It sounds like your compost might be too wet. I haven't had any come out when I turn the bin. You can add some more "browns" like straw or dead brown leaves to help dry it out. Hope this helps! « Show Less
1502125
The compost tea does drain from the slats, to the base automatically, so make sure you have them lined up. If you have a lot of wet material in your composter, or rain, it could be why you have liquid coming out. If it's been in there awhile, it could be compost tea. The best advice I could give would be to wipe it off, and make sure that you always leave your composter (after you turn it) lined up with the base so that it can drain.
1502126
This is natural for these drums. You may be over watering the compost if the liquid is accumulating to the point is is not settling in the very bottom. Compost should be moist, but not sopping wet. - Grant
1502127
Yes, but make note not to keep your compost too wet. I usually add water until I start to see water coming from the bottom, then stop. It you compost looks like mush then taper back on the water. I would also suggest a compost starter to help it along.
1502128
Yes, if you stop the barrel with the door up the compost tea will collect in the base. That is if you opened the holes in the base. I have attached a broken piece of garden hose to the base and clamped it closed. It makes it very easy to get the tea out.
1424662
It sounds like you may need to empty the compost tea container underneath. Yes, when the door is on top, the compost tea goes through to the container below.
1502129
That is correct. That is the "juice" from the compost. It is designed to drain out when the barrel is rotated in the correct position.
427120
Since the area I live gets a lot of rainfall, the compost settles fast and gets heavy, I usually pick up by hand or with a craw the compost until it is about half full, then I pick up the bin. I move the bin over and refill with compost. Since most of my compost is oak leaves, it takes quite a while for my compost to be completed. I have 2 of these bins. When the compost was completed (took almost 8 months), I had 1/3 of my garden area filled with compost. I threw a potato that was turning green into the compost and within 4 days, I had it sprouting!
1622815
Can't help on thermometers/activators (I haven't felt the need for those). You might consider getting some kind of compost pail for your kitchen to collect material you'll eventually transfer to composter. I got a neat little stainless pail, nice enough for countertop, but keep in cabinet under sink. Size should match your expected material amounts. Mine is full enough to take out every 2-3 days. I compost only vegetable material (nothing animal, including egg shells) and with its double filter system, it doesn't smell. Watch amount/proportion of yard waste (brown to green). Composter insides are not large so it can fill up quickly if you put lots of bulky dry leaves, grass clippings, etc. Can't help on thermometers/activators (I haven't felt the need for those). You might consider getting some kind of compost pail for your kitchen to collect material you'll eventually transfer to composter. I got a neat little stainless pail, nice enough for countertop, but keep in cabinet under sink. Size should match your expected material amounts. Mine is full enough to take out every 2-3 days. I compost only vegetable material (nothing animal, including egg shells) and with its double filter system, it doesn't smell. Watch amount/proportion of yard waste (brown to green). Composter... » Read More Can't help on thermometers/activators (I haven't felt the need for those). You might consider getting some kind of compost pail for your kitchen to collect material you'll eventually transfer to composter. I got a neat little stainless pail, nice enough for countertop, but keep in cabinet under sink. Size should match your expected material amounts. Mine is full enough to take out every 2-3 days. I compost only vegetable material (nothing animal, including egg shells) and with its double filter system, it doesn't smell. Watch amount/proportion of yard waste (brown to green). Composter insides are not large so it can fill up quickly if you put lots of bulky dry leaves, grass clippings, etc. « Show Less
1857060
I read that I should place the composter in a shadier part of the yard. I got my composter this last winter and located it on the north side of the house. This is a little used area so it was as much for aesthetics as it was for advise. Anyway, our winters are pretty severe. I am in a zone 5. It got down past zero this year. I did not notice much composting action until spring. I never tried the hot water bottle trick, but I did add some compost starter when I got desperate for something to happen. As soon as the weather warmed up, this composter took off and I have one side that I am using on the garden already and the other side is already halfway done. I am very happy with the composter and don't blame it for not being too effective in the winter. If I had it to do over again, I might put the composter on the sunny side of the house, but then it would bake in the summer!
1554092
If you are composting correctly, there shouldn't be any liquid leaking. If its to wet, add more browns, shredded newspaper, dry leaves etc.
935356
Well vented but don't let The bins get to thick with debris. Nothing bothering mine other than worms and a little smell. Maybe you're putting to much compost debris in the bin at one time? it's taking too long for the worms to eat it so therefore the flies have something to deposit their eggs upon. I wouldn't hesitate to call the worm farm and ask him any questions, if you haven't done so yet.
1029430
I would not recommend shredding moist compost with this product. I only use it to shred dry leaves. If your compost needs to be shredded in order to be used, your compost is not really ready. I would recommend buying a compost sieve or sifter to separate the finished compost and toss the larger chunks back into your compost bin/pile to break down further. Several sieves are available through Amazon, however I use one purchased through Gardeners Supply Company. You can't rush compost, but I have found that the smaller the garden waste and food scraps that are placed in the bin, the faster the compost seems to process. I would not recommend shredding moist compost with this product. I only use it to shred dry leaves. If your compost needs to be shredded in order to be used, your compost is not really ready. I would recommend buying a compost sieve or sifter to separate the finished compost and toss the larger chunks back into your compost bin/pile to break down further. Several sieves are available through Amazon, however I use one purchased through Gardeners Supply Company. You can't rush compost, but I have found that the smaller the garden waste and food scraps that are placed in the bin, the faster... » Read More I would not recommend shredding moist compost with this product. I only use it to shred dry leaves. If your compost needs to be shredded in order to be used, your compost is not really ready. I would recommend buying a compost sieve or sifter to separate the finished compost and toss the larger chunks back into your compost bin/pile to break down further. Several sieves are available through Amazon, however I use one purchased through Gardeners Supply Company. You can't rush compost, but I have found that the smaller the garden waste and food scraps that are placed in the bin, the faster the compost seems to process. « Show Less
1864000
Is the problem that it isn't going in all the way, or that it just flops back out? My guess is that it's an issue with getting the lid on properly. As another responder noted, the lid seal needs lubricated if it's too clean. It also needs to be latched into the grooves above the handles on the canister. You have to be fairly firm with the canister to make it go in all the way, I like bracing the mill with one hand & giving the canister a sharp tap with the other to make it seat. If the canister is just flopping out, be sure that you are putting the lid on the canister before inserting it.That's all my ideas. Is the problem that it isn't going in all the way, or that it just flops back out? My guess is that it's an issue with getting the lid on properly. As another responder noted, the lid seal needs lubricated if it's too clean. It also needs to be latched into the grooves above the handles on the canister. You have to be fairly firm with the canister to make it go in all the way, I like bracing the mill with one hand & giving the canister a sharp tap with the other to make it seat. If the canister is just flopping out, be sure that you are putting the lid on the canister before inserting... » Read More Is the problem that it isn't going in all the way, or that it just flops back out? My guess is that it's an issue with getting the lid on properly. As another responder noted, the lid seal needs lubricated if it's too clean. It also needs to be latched into the grooves above the handles on the canister. You have to be fairly firm with the canister to make it go in all the way, I like bracing the mill with one hand & giving the canister a sharp tap with the other to make it seat. If the canister is just flopping out, be sure that you are putting the lid on the canister before inserting it.That's all my ideas. « Show Less
1927213
The bottom of this composter is open, as they are supposed to be. I believe the larger ones may have some grate at the bottom. Hope this helps.
108137
I haven't had this issue. There are several open air slats to allow toy drainage, so this helps it get dry rather fast/well.
1400396
I took my bin to the compost bin and came in and rinsed it. I was able to pour 3 quarts + 3 cups of water into it before it was running over. I usually empty it when it has about 3 quarts of the ground pre-compost material. It is great!
1843641
I have a Garden Gourmet compost which looks exactly like this one. I don't if Garden Gourmet still exists but I've had it for 20 yrs (I have two). I live is southern Calif. Our city wanted people to compost so they had a special from a local nursery and I got two. Time has finally taken a toll on one of them so I am looking to replace it with this model. This past summer, a portion of the lower wall cracked so the door doesn't stay closed. The other compost has had no issues up this point, even after 20 yrs. There hasn't been any UV issues.
640705
The water if any isn't a problem. The only issue I have had was when it got really cold this winter, the seeds in the tray portion froze after it got wet. One quick tap and it was fine, the rest of the food was dry. I wish I had gotten the largest one!
467941
I have this problem as well. I have three ideas I am trying. The first one is I thing my compost is too wet. I believe the proper ratio is 10 brown to 1 green. So I have a lot of shreddings that I am adding to my compost. The second is that I am adding very small sticks in the hopes this will break them up. I have plenty around the yard. Sticks are brown material. The third is I think I may have been rotating too much. I believe rotating makes the balls. I used to do it every day. Now I do 3 rotations every 4 days and sometimes I go as long as a week. Hope this helps.
367567
I believe the last one I ordered had a plastic basket. I have a metal one, but only because I ordered it for another pot years ago when nubs on the plastic one broke off and it wouldn't stay put anymore. Although I prefer the metal one, the plastic ones I have had in the past have held up for years at a time before I had any issues. I will say - this IS the teapot to get. Brews great tea. Let it sit for 30 seconds after you push in the plunger and you can pour off really clean tea with hardly any sediment - that all settles and stays in the bottom of the pot due to the curve of the side. It's really great. I'm on my 4th one, I think - glass pot breakages due to external forces (that would be my family). I believe the last one I ordered had a plastic basket. I have a metal one, but only because I ordered it for another pot years ago when nubs on the plastic one broke off and it wouldn't stay put anymore. Although I prefer the metal one, the plastic ones I have had in the past have held up for years at a time before I had any issues. I will say - this IS the teapot to get. Brews great tea. Let it sit for 30 seconds after you push in the plunger and you can pour off really clean tea with hardly any sediment - that all settles and stays in the bottom of the pot due to the curve of the side.... » Read More I believe the last one I ordered had a plastic basket. I have a metal one, but only because I ordered it for another pot years ago when nubs on the plastic one broke off and it wouldn't stay put anymore. Although I prefer the metal one, the plastic ones I have had in the past have held up for years at a time before I had any issues. I will say - this IS the teapot to get. Brews great tea. Let it sit for 30 seconds after you push in the plunger and you can pour off really clean tea with hardly any sediment - that all settles and stays in the bottom of the pot due to the curve of the side. It's really great. I'm on my 4th one, I think - glass pot breakages due to external forces (that would be my family). « Show Less
989756
What's draining out of the bottom is not compost tea, it is called ( compost leachate ) here is a good link that can explain a little better.. http://www.douggreensgarden.com/compost-tea-vs-manure-tea-vs-compost-leachate.html I had the same thoughts until it was mentioned to me.In the event you do make a compost tea, the recommended mix is 1 part tea...10 parts water... jimmy
1746629
It is a bit annoying. But you should be removing the bowls and cleaning off the top of it at least once a day anyways because it is wood and you don't want it to get waterlogged. I wrote a review about this before, if you're going to put food in there make sure that it's in a container because the water will drop down from the bowls and the food will grow mold, just an f.y.i. Product is definitely aesthetically pleasing but a little maintenance is required.