Does it really break down your compost faster/better (I live in a cool climate)? How much do you use?
1982649
Broke down the compost well. Don't know if it was any faster because I always have used it. Compost Does seem to form into large baseball size clumps.
1982650
Yes it really works. I started a new batch in April and I have another almost ready. I keep adding kitchen material so it has to cook a little longer.
1982651
I use a minimum of two cups in my home made 55 gal composter, and it speeds up the heat even in cooler temperatures. Make sure you use plenty of green matter to add nitrogen and if moisture levels are low, add some water. This compost starter also adds micro organisms that help your plants absorb the N-P-K and minerals after you use the compost, improving health and resistance to disease. I even add this as an organic fertilizer when setting out transplants.
1982652
I live in a cold climate, too...North Dakota. I can't say that I've seen any difference. And the stuff really does stink.
282090
No. It's slower to break down and release nutrients than the synthetic stuff. I will not burn your grass.
1042372
I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler. I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any... » Read More I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler. « Show Less
2005052
It's a great little composting bin for the first time composter. It can take a while depending on how you care for it. It definitely allows for breakdown if you turn it regularly and water it regularly. I put every stray worm I can find in there too to help out the process. I didn't have compost material after using it for 4 months but have had this for about a year now and have compost material for our garden this Spring.
1978357
I have purchased this product. I have only used it in my large, outside, composter. I use compostable bags in my kitchen composter.
263209
I don't turn it. Sometimes I will use a shovel to breakup large items. For the "brown" composter, I occasionally add a thin layer of soil to the top. It does take longer to get the first compost, but the quality is very good. For the "green" composter, I occasionaly add soil and water to expedite the composting process.
107324
Absolutely! It will compost quicker . If possible leave the fan running .I can leave my boat or travel trailer shut up for months summer or winter , no problems. Thanks, Jim
557987
Using even in a minimal amount is better than nothing. I have mixed some in water and used it that way, and I have broadcast it over soil. I also mixed it into the soil when prepping a new bed or pot. This man has several videos on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k41WK5z6mo
805880
Yes. It can actually work better that way, replacing the nitrogen your compost has already burned and reheating/activating your compost pile. It is organic, so the nitrogen is not so high that the late addition to your compost would hurt plants.
2202783
If you use a compost starter, keep it slightly moist, keep it in the sun, and turn it every other day, you should have compost within a few weeks as long as you aren't putting a lot of twigs in it. The finer you chop up the stuff, the quicker it will turn into compost. But you also have to put enough into it, to get enough compost out of it, as vegetation is mostly water to begin with and breaks down to almost nothing.
1947617
Previous answers are right as far as I know. I only use a one chamber composter and it works out well.
1367297
I have a compost heap out in my back yard. I take stuff out to it all year long. Some people have 2. One cooking and one building. You can do it however you like, obviously.
507462
In answer to your question, no, it takes more than just a few days for waste to decompose. More like weeks. I just wanted to reduce landfill waste by helping nature along. This product was never successful for me. It killed the grass around it and my yard stunk horribly. I ended up pulling out after a year and now am back to scooping and dumping the waste in the garbage. I really wanted this to work.
2005049
I do not know how long it takes. Depends on lots of variables. I have mine setting in the corner of the yard and throw stuff in it every day. I am sure at some time this fall I will be able to pull compost out of the door on the bottom.
1591429
When you have nice compost. :) I have to say I am not impressed with the compost making ability as I have not gotten any! Switching back to my composting on the ground.
398399
I had the same question when I got my bag, which wants you to use the whole thing at once. So I asked a farmer friend; he recommended half an ounce per gallon of compost. Hope this helps!
1140441
This is not to prepare food but to compost it, it grinds/cuts leftovers into somewhat larger pieces than a food processor would. More importantly I usually use it for a week before I need to clean and empty it, and I have no problems with flies or odor. (we are a family of 4) . So I get a week's worth of composting done with one clean up. The food processor will give you a liquid mess which you'll need to clean after every use and you'll then need to somehow get to your outdoor compost site (I assume). The green cycler gives you manageable particulate pieces that can easily be transported in a bag. This is not to prepare food but to compost it, it grinds/cuts leftovers into somewhat larger pieces than a food processor would. More importantly I usually use it for a week before I need to clean and empty it, and I have no problems with flies or odor. (we are a family of 4) . So I get a week's worth of composting done with one clean up. The food processor will give you a liquid mess which you'll need to clean after every use and you'll then need to somehow get to your outdoor compost site (I assume). The green cycler gives you manageable particulate pieces that can easily be transported... » Read More This is not to prepare food but to compost it, it grinds/cuts leftovers into somewhat larger pieces than a food processor would. More importantly I usually use it for a week before I need to clean and empty it, and I have no problems with flies or odor. (we are a family of 4) . So I get a week's worth of composting done with one clean up. The food processor will give you a liquid mess which you'll need to clean after every use and you'll then need to somehow get to your outdoor compost site (I assume). The green cycler gives you manageable particulate pieces that can easily be transported in a bag. « Show Less