How long does it take to make compost in this?
1296400
Hi Kathy. Regarding your question, we never got that far as the barrel was broken and we didn't get to use it for any length of time. We should receive another barrel with 5-7 days and will try again.
1296401
I have been using this for years, it depends on the weather, faster in warm days ,slower in winter. overall I always pre-chop veggies to speed things up either way. average is about 3-4 weeks. with two bins there is no rush.
2271258
Yes but it is too expensive to do that. It is a starter so it has the bacteria in it to foster the growth of good organisms to convert organic matter into compost.
466211
Keep in mind that composting is really easy - can be as simple as putting a pile of your compostables in a small corner of the yard and leaving them there to decompose if you don't want to do any more work - and is far better for the environment than burning (plus the ash is then pretty worthless to your soil). If you throw your leftover vegetable choppings and some dirt and water on top, your papers will decompose even faster. Compost done correctly should never smell.
1942846
This is a difficult question to answer since there are SO many variables in the process (temp, green and brown mix, type of material, how often you are adding to and checking the compost, etc...). I started one side of the composter and kept adding to it for many weeks (the material will break down and take up less space as you go). Once it was about 3/4 full I switched to the other side and let the original side continue to compost while adding to the other side. Once the second side got 3/4 full I emptied the original side of it's composted material. I probably added 2 gallons of material 3 times per week and it took me about 6 months to get to the point of emptying the original side. This is a difficult question to answer since there are SO many variables in the process (temp, green and brown mix, type of material, how often you are adding to and checking the compost, etc...). I started one side of the composter and kept adding to it for many weeks (the material will break down and take up less space as you go). Once it was about 3/4 full I switched to the other side and let the original side continue to compost while adding to the other side. Once the second side got 3/4 full I emptied the original side of it's composted material. I probably added 2 gallons of material... » Read More This is a difficult question to answer since there are SO many variables in the process (temp, green and brown mix, type of material, how often you are adding to and checking the compost, etc...). I started one side of the composter and kept adding to it for many weeks (the material will break down and take up less space as you go). Once it was about 3/4 full I switched to the other side and let the original side continue to compost while adding to the other side. Once the second side got 3/4 full I emptied the original side of it's composted material. I probably added 2 gallons of material 3 times per week and it took me about 6 months to get to the point of emptying the original side. « Show Less
425920
It depends on: what you are composting; if you turn it and how often; the diameter you make the unit. We don't turn till the end of the growing season and our two 4' diameter bins shrink down as fast as we ad material. We harvest the bottom (oldest) compost when tilling the new garden in the spring and leave the top layers to start the growing season addition of material.
218283
I think it took about 1-1/2 large bags of potting mix. We have had great results with this, by the way.
2005051
Composting time depends on temperature and moisture. To have garden-ready compost (for me) takes several months. I add as the year goes along and pull out compost during the summer for the garden. Remember to mix kitchen garbage with grass and leaves to get the proper mix of nutrients.
1947667
I'm not sure how long it takes, I usually dump mine into my big compost bin outside. I open mine several times a day, I haven't noticed any problems. I really like my compost crock!
1493954
Quite while. I fill it and then walk away, so it takes 2 or 3 hours at least. If I go back to the kitchen I often top it up, it seems to work faster if it is full or near full and using the entire filter.
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.
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.
425918
I believe you would have at least a layer of finished compost at the bottom of the bin in 8 weeks and could lift the bin up and move it, then move the unfinished contents on top back to the bin, leaving the finished compost available to use. I usually add to the bin for 3-4 months (it never stays full for more than a few days as things decay and compress), which yields better results than trying to hurry it along.
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
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.
1018262
I have no idea, but i will caution you against puchasing this item. It does not compost fast enough, and you will be left with a rancid and mildewed mess. This thing is, pardon the Pun, garbage.
794736
I remember researching the composer on the Internet and was able to find the cubic space and compare it. I had a different composer for a long time. Even though it was a similar size, it didn't come close to holding what this one holds due to its inner construction. Composted waste for 2 people and it's been taking about 3-4 months to fill this thing. Love it.
2124318
This thing holds over one cubic yard of compost, which takes over an hour to turn with a rake and shovel. Not for the weak. I turn mine four times a season for a finished product.