Installation Instructions

Eng

THE TUMBLING COMPOSTER

GENERAL

The Tumbling Composter contains a mechanism with rods or fins that mixes and breaks up larger clusters to

activate and "fasten" the decomposing process. Such composters are able to reach a temperature of more than

140°. In order for compost to be efficient, it requires a correct mixture ratio of "brown" (carbon) and "green"

(nitrogen) materials (see LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST).

Water should be added only when necessary and the tumbler should be turned every other day or so to keep

all ingredients, microorganisms, and moisture evenly distributed. Within a few weeks, your Tumbling

Composter will transform your scraps into this natural fertilizer named compost.

COMPOST CAN BE PRODUCED WITH YOUR TUMBLER IN TWO DIFFERENT PROCESSES:

1. The best method: Produce compost in batches, loading up the tumbler until full, and leave it to break

down until completed. When running two tumblers simultaneously, one can start adding waste to the second

tumbler and wait for the first to complete its decomposing process. Refraining from adding more materials to

the current batch of working compost will ensure better results. A batch with new waste materials can then

be started when the first is completed.

2. Another method is continuous composting, where one adds more and more material, mixing fresh waste

into the decomposing process. When choosing this method with the tumbler, one should stop adding when it

the tumbler is almost full, and leave the contents decompose. Only after being completed can the process be

started again.

LIST OF KEY COMPONENTS FOR GREAT COMPOST

Decomposing Process - When trying the process for the first time, it may be surprising how many small

creatures are participating in decomposition. This mixture of creatures, which include many insects, bugs,

slugs, bacteria, and mushrooms, form what is called a "food web." Adding a small quantity of soil to this

mixture can be used to start the process. The creatures in the soil will actually contribute and speed up

decomposition.

Each and every member of the food web has its own contribution to your compost and it must be left alone to

do their job. If any of the member organisms is removed by using agents such as pesticides, the natural cycle

will be disturbed and the compost will be infected by pesticides.

Ingredients - Basic ingredients for composting are: nitrogen, carbon, water and air. Water and air should be

readily available. Providing the remaining ingredients is somehow more complicated. They are actually

referred to as "greens" and "browns" (not meaning the color but green = rich in nitrogen, and brown = rich in

carbon). The "green" ingredients represent the protein for the active creatures, and the "brown" ingredients

supplying the energy. Any plant in your garden can be used to "feed" these creatures. The Tumbling

Composter should simply be filled with these ingredients and mixed. Water must be added separately and the

whole must be tumbled to add air. The composter should then be left alone, to let the decomposing process

take place.

Nitrogen / Carbon Ratio - The ideal mix is 3/4 "brown" and 1/4 "green" ingredients by volume. Such a

good mixture of "brown" and "green" ingredients will ensure for the mass to maintain the appropriate

quantity of humidity and air, and fasten the decomposing process. An increased amount of nitrogen will

generate a heavy mass, which will slow down the decomposing process. Then may be the right time to add

more "brown" ingredients!