How to Build a DIY Compost Tumbler

Save time and avoid potential back pain by learning how to build a DIY compost tumbler.

Truth be told, our compost pile very rarely, if ever, gets turned. When it comes to the compost heap, my preferred method is to pile it up and let nature take its course, which it effectively does. Compost cures whether you turn the pile or not; it just happens at a slower pace when you leave it to nature alone. While this method of composting is easy on the back and takes little effort to maintain, it does take time for the process to complete — sometimes up to a year or more.

We still keep a compost pile, but for producing compost on the fast track, I prefer a compost tumbler. It’s an easy-to-use option for the busy gardener. The closed environment of this barrel-style tumbler makes it rodent-resistant, and when used correctly, you can create compost in eight to 10 weeks from start to finish. Besides, I’d rather turn a tumbler than toss and turn the compost with a manure fork any day.

Tips for Building a DIY Compost Tumbler

Choose a Container

Look for galvanized steel trash cans or plastic drums or barrels at your local home improvement store, or online sources for new or used containers. Large restaurant or food distributors are another source for food barrels.

You may already have a new or used plastic drum or rain barrel on hand. Just make sure that the container was used only for food or other nontoxic substances. You don’t want any hazardous materials or toxic residue to end up in your compost, and ultimately, your garden.

Keep materials in your DIY compost tumbler in balance.

The closed environment of your DIY compost tumbler is different than an open pile; think potted plant versus a plant in a terrarium. As such, it’s important to add at least 40 percent of high-carbon organic waste — brown materials — to ensure friable compost instead of a slimy and smelly mess. I prefer a 50/50 ratio — an equal mix of high-nitrogen organic waste (green materials) and high-carbon organic wastes (brown materials) every time you add materials to your compost tumbler.

Make it easy to maintain the proper green-to-brown ratio by keeping a bag of leaves, shredded newspaper or bale of straw near your composter. And a large bucket filled with topsoil gives easy access for when you add more materials to the compost tumbler.

Size matters when adding to your DIY compost tumbler.

It helps to break up, cut up, chop up, or shred anything that’s large or easily mats, such as tree branches, corn stalks, watermelon rinds, leaves, etc. You can leave them whole if you’d like — everything eventually decomposes — but you’ll speed up the process if the pieces are smaller.

Maintain Adequate Moisture

Your compost tumbler will maintain moisture more efficiently than compost in an open pile or compost bin. As such, the goal is to keep your materials slightly damp, like a well-wrung sponge.

You may not need to add any additional water depending on the weather, temperature, and location of your compost tumbler.

If the materials feel somewhat dry, add just enough water (a light misting is best) to keep materials moistened, but not wet. If the contents are wetter than a damp sponge, leave the lid open for a day or so to allow them to dry out. This will help accelerate the composting process without adding excess weight to the container.

Turn Up the Action

Turning the pile is easy with this DIY compost tumbler — just keep grabbing the handles and pulling downward. By turning the tumbler you will introduce air and redistribute the composting material with each spin.

The spinning action, on occasion, can force some of the organic material into some of the air holes.

Since this composter is designed with either 3/8- or 1/2-inch air holes rather than 1-inch air holes, this shouldn’t be an issue. Even so, it’s a good idea to check the air holes every now and then to make sure that none have become clogged by organic material inside the container.

Give the tumbler a spin every time you add organic matter. For faster compost, give it a few good turns from once a day to once a week. The frequency will depend on the outdoor temperature and size of materials being composted. Keep spinning the drum and your compost should be ready to use in 10 weeks or less.