Home Made Compost Tumbler
February 14, 2010
How to make a compost tumbler from a food grade pickle barrel. Free Plans at http://dixiegrilling.com/tumbler.htm This compost tumbler with it’s internal aeration system speeds the composting process. Great way to get compost for your garden without the mess and strength required to turn a traditional compost bin. Concealed barrels picks unwanted critters from hanging out at your compost pile. Excellent for urban gardeners with restrictions on space. Can be made very inexpensively. Link to free plans and bill of material at the end of the video.
Duration : 0:3:49
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never mind – just …
never mind – just saw your answer below:
“By running the tube up the center you can cover the bottom of the tube to keep pests out. If you were to drill a lot of holes on the exterior of the barrel, you would have to cover each one with screen. Exterior holes would also allow to much moisture to enter your compost.”
I like the interior …
I like the interior aeration idea with the PVC – But couldn’t a guy accomplish the same thing by drilling holes through the barrel?
Thanks. It’s the …
Thanks. It’s the one place I haven’t looked for this particular item yet.
@theunknownknows …
@theunknownknows Craigslist is a great place to find them.
Is the internal …
Is the internal airation provide the same amount of air etc… Just curious as to why some many just drill holes and vs. the internal system. I like the interal way much better just curious if there is any major difference?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Surplus centers …
Surplus centers usually have them for about 20-25 each
I want to build a …
I want to build a few of these, to replace my Bronze Age-style heaps. I haven’t been able to find a source for the barrels. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi, I’ve been …
Hi, I’ve been looking for an good design to build. Very good explaination to go with it, thanks.
Great video..
Great video..
By running the tube …
By running the tube up the center you can cover the bottom of the tube to keep pests out. If you were to drill a lot of holes on the exterior of the barrel, you would have to cover each one with screen. Exterior holes would also allow to much moisture to enter your compost..
Great video… …
Great video… thanks
Greatt info… …
Greatt info… thanks
thanks for posting …
thanks for posting this! I can hardly wait to get started – (frozen in Canada)
Why did you choose …
Why did you choose to put the airation tube up through the centre rather than just drill holes ib the barrel?
Thanks, great video …
Thanks, great video plus free plans. The world needs more folk like you. Bravo!
Don’t see why you …
Don’t see why you couldn’t use a wine barrel. You could cut in a hatch on one end and hinge it with a latch to add and remove materials. Not sure how hard it would be to turn once it was full, but it might be worth a try.
Do you think this …
Do you think this could be done with a wine barrel?
Thank you so much! …
Thank you so much! I have my barrel, and your inspiration, and thorough direction.
Does anyone know of …
Does anyone know of a website where I can order a pickle barrel for cheap?
That was one of my …
That was one of my initial concerns, but after using it over 5 months and running several full loads of compost, there is no sign of wear or tearing of the plastic at the axles. The plastic they make now a days is pretty tough.
can’t tell if this …
can’t tell if this got posted.
Any issue with the weight causing the axle to tear the plastic?
This one has been …
This one has been great to me. I don’t collect the drainage for tea, but you certainly could.
quite a deluxe …
quite a deluxe design. i like this design much better than the axial tumblers. no need for a side hatch. Do you collect your drain water for making compost tea?
Cheers! 5*
I just picked up 2 of these exact same barrels locally for 35$ each. (Charlotte, NC area msg me I’ll send you the reference).
very well done. …
very well done. and thanks for the plans.