Given that the composter is insulated, how important is the placement within the yard? I'd rather place it in my side yard but it gets less sun...
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!
1857061
I would say that depends upon your local climate and your expectation. Will work either way but slower with more shade...?
1857062
I also have mine in the side yard, partially shaded. I am only on my first batch but it is heating up. I like it on the side as it has been stinky sometimes and I have had to work at getting the green/brown balance correct or it will smell like the worst portapottie ever. Having said all that, the product is really nice and I think worth the $. Good luck.
1857063
I did the same thing, put it on the side of the house, yet reasonably close to the kitchen. It may cook a little or even a lot faster in full sun, but I don't want to see, smell, or have it, in an inconvenient place. I did wire mine to the wall to deter beasties but even the bears have not seem interested. It is well made. Good luck!
1857064
Mine is working fine hidden behind the garage where it doesn't get much sun. I do live in Houston though??
541532
There are crossbars that help the compost "tumble" when you rotate the container. Seems toix the compost pretty well, with minimum poster effort.
1645782
The bottom is solid, and it collects liquid. There is a cap on the left side that allows the compost tea to drain and be collected, but I had put the unit on bricks so it sat up high enough to collect the liquid. The unit is a nice unit, and it looks great compared to a traditional unit. Very rich. This past summer compost was generated quickly, in about 3 weeks. The only feature I do not like is the door to access the compost. It doesn't stay up while digging out the compost, I accidently broke it off trying to use it. It snapped back on. It is really the only negative feature on this unit. I would purchase another one, totally on the looks alone The bottom is solid, and it collects liquid. There is a cap on the left side that allows the compost tea to drain and be collected, but I had put the unit on bricks so it sat up high enough to collect the liquid. The unit is a nice unit, and it looks great compared to a traditional unit. Very rich. This past summer compost was generated quickly, in about 3 weeks. The only feature I do not like is the door to access the compost. It doesn't stay up while digging out the compost, I accidently broke it off trying to use it. It snapped back on. It is really the only negative feature on this... » Read More The bottom is solid, and it collects liquid. There is a cap on the left side that allows the compost tea to drain and be collected, but I had put the unit on bricks so it sat up high enough to collect the liquid. The unit is a nice unit, and it looks great compared to a traditional unit. Very rich. This past summer compost was generated quickly, in about 3 weeks. The only feature I do not like is the door to access the compost. It doesn't stay up while digging out the compost, I accidently broke it off trying to use it. It snapped back on. It is really the only negative feature on this unit. I would purchase another one, totally on the looks alone « Show Less
656620
Hello Michael. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. The Vented Compost bucket actually has a double seal around all edges both on the interior and exterior. Also the compost bucket is vented with a activated charcoal filter mounted to the lid interior covering the vented holes. The vents allow the moisture and heat that comes from the food as it sits in the container to vent first through the charcoal filter (absorbing odors) then through the vents on the lid. They both work fantastic together to keep moisture to a minimum in the bucket, and also minimize odors from coming into your kitchen.
1456802
Moderate effort. It requires some physical labor and a narrow shovel. You could do it by hand (with gloves on, I assume), if you wanted to. The wetter your compost, the more difficult it will be no matter what method you use. We have another rotating composter on a stand, and it requires about the same amount of effort: if you are taller, the lower one requires more bending but the one on the stand requires more lifting (assuming you're putting it into a wheelbarrow of average height.
451248
I don't think it's a silly question but I'm unsure. I haven't had mine that long and it sits mostly in the shade but I'd be surprised if it got warm. Again, I'm unsure. Love my bench though.
1974537
Hi Janis! We put ours on the inside of the fence. Immediately the yard took on a cozier feeling, a more intimate atmoshere. So glad we did.Hope this helps.....Jeanni
747967
I leave my battery, weedwacker and charger in the garage year round (upstate ny) and haven't had any problems! Winters are freezing and snowy and today it's 93 and hot and humid! I would imagine wherever you are it should be ok as long as its dry!
1462404
I live in the cold, frozen north. I just keep my composter in my garage. No varmits and it doesn't freeze.
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.
1008416
Hi.Have had this one everywhere. Does not seem to care where you put it.As long as the sunlight can charge the battery. Have it at 4 feet now and on its side.I just move it where I need at the time. Going to get more of them I think. Sorry forgot. It has been through 2 Oklahoma rain storms.L
293437
Definitely wait until Spring! Adding this in the cold won't result in a significant increase in the composting speed. It would be better to so this before it gets cold to generate more heat and keep the pile active through the winter. If it is warm enough, do that, but if not it would be best to wait.
391792
I bought mine last summer. It sits flat on the ground and is working quite well. This is my first planting season using the compost and I am happy with the results.
1661614
I have seen slugs in the grass but not inside the composter or on it. I tend to keep my compost on the dry side. It is taking longer to finish.
1256097
Personally I think keeping this in a location subject to weather 365 daya a year is not a good idea. Mine is in a semi-covered area and I covered it in plastic to prevent winter snow and ice damage. I also do not store potting soil directly in the soil area, partly because I also use as a server on my deck for parties. Rain does get inside even on the side with the solid cover.
597013
I assume you mean the outside. It doesn't get dirty from use but it will from sitting in your yard if it isn't covered. It's easy to wash off and a cover will help keep it clean.
391794
You don't need to bury this one deep. It has small "feet" that will secure to the soil and we've had some very windy, blustery days here in Michigan and it has never tipped over. Nice little compost. I like it.