Building a Compost Turner
In this episode of The Urban Homesteaders, Ben builds a compost turner using 100% salvaged materials. Sorry again for the sound… we still are without real video equipment, so we’re using a macbook as our only video recorder. Stay tuned! We’re building another compost bin this week, and in the next month or so, we’ll be comparing the quality of compost from both!
25 Responses to Building a Compost Turner
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Nice instructions – most of the ones I’ve seen were horizontal, how is the vertical design working out for you? Funny to stumble on this, I used to live in the South Wedge myself….
MaiaRikae
October 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm
1 min WAY TO LONG FOR AN INTRO
Missmadammozart
October 27, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@bigbassmanphd PT wood that’s going to remain in the environment anyway. An unused bag of Portland that already has the energy embodied in it already, has to used or allowed to turn into a big rock. the latter wastes the embodied energy. By accident or by design they just may be “greener” than anyone than those who set judgement without evidently thinking through what took place. With exceptions more often than not using what already exists is a good plan
donyunger
October 27, 2011 at 11:53 pm
As another mentioned, Portland needs to used with gravel or sand to make concrete, but in this non- critical application no harm done. Don’t be surprised if treated or not those posts rot in the concrete. Setting the posts deeper, and tamping gravel around it tightly rather than using concrete lasts longer
donyunger
October 28, 2011 at 12:18 am
Great idea and the girl is hot.
SCOFNC
October 28, 2011 at 12:55 am
thanks im making one out of wood thought
letsgrowpasco
October 28, 2011 at 1:31 am
Real nice work, will be making one soon
medicjimr
October 28, 2011 at 2:23 am
It’s good that you are embracing the sustainable lifestyle but cement is one the most environmentally unfriendly material there is.
BleekerSoL
October 28, 2011 at 3:02 am
Thank you for taking the time to share 🙂
RosaButton
October 28, 2011 at 3:49 am
@captmicha Well back many years prior no fancey composting bins were used and a pile worked great.
SilentWolf1966
October 28, 2011 at 4:29 am
So glad to see someone from my stomping grounds working on the same projects i am and going green.You cant beat recycled stuff either.Great job.I think that is the model for me.Now if i can find all my stuff as you did ill be in great shape :).TY for the great ideas.
SilentWolf1966
October 28, 2011 at 5:14 am
Nothing says “green” like sticking pressure treated wood into the ground with concrete around it.
bigbassmanphd
October 28, 2011 at 5:56 am
I love that you guys are from Rochester! I’m in Geneva, ny! Hi neighboors! Building a composer and a rain harvesting barrel tomorrow. My barrels are free also. Msg me your email. I have questions for you
jeanderby
October 28, 2011 at 5:59 am
I think this is one of the best DYI compost turners I’ve seen
jbibm81
October 28, 2011 at 6:50 am
Thats just a great ideal.You can turn it and mix your cooking compost then when its ready just dump it out very clever cause you pre thought that part out.I got a 55 gallon metal barrell and a plastic barrell.I was going to make mine turn like a clothes dryer and dump it out a door on the side.But your ideal is better cause mine would leave some and i would be digging it out of the ends.Thanks
arkansastrash320
October 28, 2011 at 7:22 am
It was a story of love, a cat and a dog with a little bit of compost sprickled on top.
ChumpyChicken2
October 28, 2011 at 8:19 am
Where can I find a barrel like that?
saturno236
October 28, 2011 at 8:44 am
Bricks? You probably found an old well that had caved in and been abandoned. They make a quick set concrete now that you pour into the hole, then add water to the hole and it sets up fine. I usually stir it a bit after adding the water. Much easier than mixing it in a bucket. Drill holes through 4×4’s about 4 inches down from top, then cut tops off leaving half of the hole for the pipe to go through, then place barrel on posts, add cutoff pieces, and screw it back to together. No clamps needed.
sergeantsailorman
October 28, 2011 at 8:53 am
I’d salvage her.
billybob1121
October 28, 2011 at 9:12 am
@1983SMOGGY I don’t see why not, just check acidity etc b4 putting on bed.
RevNTheogen
October 28, 2011 at 9:12 am
can u mix peat based compost with non peat compost plz any1?
1983SMOGGY
October 28, 2011 at 9:43 am
Hi Ben & Kristin, Have you thought of looking at more current sustainable growing which allows you to grow year-round regardless of where you live? How about lowering overhead and producing your current production on one tenth the acreage. Not till, no weeds, no expensive equipment and bountiful harvest! I speak from forty years of commercial experience. Come visit us! I look forward to seeing you! The Garden Master and his Bucket Garden. TheGardenMaster com
TheGardenMasterShow
October 28, 2011 at 10:29 am
Would love to see a compost turner design w/out plastic. Many (most) plastics leach and/or outgass toxins – toxins that I would rather not have in contact with compost that is going around plants that I eat. Oh, yah, most cement mixes also contain toxic mold inhibitors…
Thanks for showing that a sustainable life is easier than most imagine! Keep it real!!
Jefferdaughter
October 28, 2011 at 10:31 am
Loved your ideas. How is the composter holding up since October 2007? It’s now July 2010 and I was just wondering (after a little time seasoning) if there were any modifications you probably may have discovered over the last years? Need your feedback B4 I build one. Thanks U2 🙂
rellove3
October 28, 2011 at 10:57 am
I wanted a compost tumbler and searched for the best design. I made one exactly like yours. $11 for the drum, $8 for the 4×4, $1.50 for the clamps, $4 for the 1 in. steel pipe, $3.50 for sack of Quickcrete. $ 28 total. Works great!!! Thank you! If I were to buy one, it would have cost me $100 and upward. Thanks again and Good luck to the two of you.
livebullet107
October 28, 2011 at 11:29 am