How to Build a Tumbling Composter

04-03-2014 • http://www.wikihow.com

The bacteria need oxygen to carry out the aerobic respiration that creates rich compost. One way to aerate your compost is with a pitchfork or a compost turning tool. If you keep your compost in a tumbler, however, all you have to do is turn the container. Since most compost barrels can be expensive, you may be interested in building your own for much less money and an hour of your time.

1 Buy a plastic drum, between 20 and 55 gallons (75-200 liters). Also obtain a 48 inch (1.25 meter) length of 2 inch (5 cm) schedule 80 PVC pipe, or a length of 1 1/2 to 2 inch (3.8-5 cm) galvanized steel pipe.

2 Drill holes in the center of the top and bottom of your drum. They should be large enough for the pipe you are going to use for an axle.

3 Pass the pipe or post through the center holes.

4 Build a wooden saw buck to support the compost barrel. Nail 2 sets of 2x4s (pieces of wood that are 1.5″ × 3.5″ or 38×89 mm in terms of height and width, respectively) in an x-frame, and nail two 2x4s across the feet at the bottom for support.