Compost Tumbler Update | Is It Working? 

Two chamber tumbler is the way to go. I add to one chamber for two months, while allowing the other chamber to cook for two months and by alternating I get about 6 gallons of rich compost every two months. Stems and other woody bits that aren’t fully composted go back into the other chamber for another two months. I make sure to cut everything into bite-sized pieces before adding, even banana peels. If it starts to stink, add more browns.

Hi Bethany. Thank you for these videos on patio gardening. We came to this the other way around. And I think there are some ideas that we are now working through that might help you. By no means am I an expert, we have only begun with our elevated raised beds. My concern began with putting kitchen waste into "organic" bags and into the "organic" waste pickup. Short version. We discovered Bokashi precomposting. We started in early February and have depostied ZERO organic garbage to the landfill (Including chicken wings). We are on our 3rd Bokashi bucket. No bags. Bokashi ferments 100% organic waste, it needs 2 weeks once full to ferment fully before using it. End of horrible smells as well. So we needed somewhere to put this rich fermented precompost and decided on a patio bed with a bokashi soil factory setup. This fermented precompost will break down in about 2-3 weeks in a traditional compost (your tumbler) or even bury it in your large container filled with soil I saw in your raised bed video. This way you are not adding food each day, and the browns you are adding (leaves, cardboard and cuttings) are actually necessary to mix with this Bokashi "cake" (full fermented organic waste). Also, Bokashi produces a "tea" or "juice" which is an incredible fertilizer for your plants as well. With this system it might be possible to avoid a second tumbler. Have a look on youtube or visit the bokashi living website and I think you will find an interesting and sustainable solution. In the meantime, I am going to get caught up on your other wonderful videos as we approach planting season in our first raised bed. Best wishes from Spain.

I once heard that the best brown is horse pellet bedding that they sell at farm stores like Tractor Supply.

I really thought about getting one myself. Thank you for the info. Keep growing homegirl. Wish you the best.

I have a 2 chamber and still have the same problem! Also something I have learned: If it smells bad, it is bad. Always trust your nose.

Instead of the bag I do compressed saw dust pellets in the bottom of my metal counter scrap bin helps to keep up with the browns and also will absorb whatever little moisture you build up in the counter top bin … also not an expert but seems to work well for me

Since you already have 1 compost tumbler. Just buy another one like the one you have. And rotate using them just like the two bin system. Now you can produce large quantities of compost.

So interesting to hear ago it!

Been really struggling with my dual chamber composter tumbler. Its my first time composting and theres a lot of differing opinions on how to do it 😅 Its easy, Its hard, Tumble twice a week, tumble every day. Etc etc After months of my pile not decomposing right (at a 50/50 brown to green) I’ve given up on being precise. Just guesstimating and adding water here and there. Hoping something happens 😂 Thanks for the vid 🙏

I have one similar to that and use it mostly for "cold" compost. I like the tumbler because if I forget to water it, mice don't crawl around in it like an on-the-ground one. I usually don't have enough nitrogen and have heard that you there is a minimum of materials needed to have it heat up properly. Enjoying your channel!

Do you have plans to move to a place with land so you can do in ground gardening?

Hi Bethany, I see Ferris is looking good. Will you be posting videos during the winter months, I hope so! 😊🌹🍁❄

When do i stop adding and how long do i wait after that to see the final results and then what should i do with the fruits and vegetable peelings that i have in the meantime ?

I double bag my kitchen scrap compost, so far it’s working

Thank you for the videos. I have been trying to make a decision on whether to spend money on a more expensive tumbler or if the miracle grow system is strong enough. How is the durability of the tumbler that you are using in the video? We will be using a tumbler in a school setting and I want to make sure it will hold up for 5+ years. Here is some more information on composting that is very urban friendly. We live in a condo and find Bokashi composting very easy and smell free. There are many benefits to Bokashi composting. It is a anaerobic system so there is not smell, the system is seals so you don't need to worry about pests, the Bokashi system doesn't require brown (no measurement of carbon to nitrogen) waste and the Bokashi system can break down meat, bones, and cheese.

For outside: Is there anything you wish you could grow, but can't because of your zone, not enough space, not the right conditions etc.? I definitely wish I could have a beautiful orange tree or a passion fruit vine! And of course more blueberry bushes but I already have 4 on my terrace! For inside: Would love to know what are some of your wishlist houseplants?

Curious to see how this is working as I want to get the dual chamber one….

When did you realize you love gardening? Does anyone in your family garden? How do you keep things organized, like a planner/spreadsheet? Who on RU-vid/ig/elsewhere has inspired you the most? What is your favorite flower of all time (it doesn't have to be something you've grown)? Those are just off the top of me head 😅

What is something you learned from container gardening that surprised you? I love your love for gardening and appreciate the videos!

How big is that composter?

Is this a MiracleGro composter? Looking for a compost tumbler for a school garden project that will not attract rodents and that has some longevity. Curious to hear what brand this is and how well it has held up for you!

Try shredding your brown paper instead of tearing it. It will break down faster!

Did you have a video of the final product? Would love to see how it turned out!

What caused you to get into gardening

sorry to say my least favorite utube vids are people talking. Why use a video when you are not going to show anything and only talk?