Will My Compost Tumbler Cook It Up Before Winter?

A couple of weeks ago I started removing container plants that were fading fast.  The abrupt drop in temperatures is really doing an early number on my fall garden.  With a few weeks to go before our first hard freeze, it was a great time to experiment  and see just how quickly my compost tumbler can make compost!    

Quick and Jiffy Compost Test

So this is how my compost tumbler looked after I filled it with green and brown material on October 3.  Full to the brim!

As usual with composting, I alternated layers of green (annuals pulled from the containers) with the brown leaves from last year – with a little moss and potting soil for flavor.  And after every other layer I added a dusting of compost enhancer and sprinkled with water for moisture. 

Now the compost starter I had on hand is supposed to speed up the composting process – promising a rich batch of nutrient-filled compost in just a few weeks.  I’ve been turning the bin every day so we’ll see how it works in the midst of these cooler temperatures.  It sure would be great to have fresh compost to spread around the perennials this fall.

You may still have time for your own experiment!  Here is a batch compost tumbler that looks about the same size as the compost tumbler I’ve had for years.  This tumbling compost bin holds about 6 1/2 cubic feet which translates to 42 dry gallons.  It also has a crossbar in the center of the bin to break up the compost during the turning process. 

And, this late in the season you’ll probably need to speed up the process as much as possible!   This bag of Super Hot Compost Starter is a high-energy blend of nitrogen and microorganisms that produces finished compost in record time.

I’m anxious to see how my little experiment turns out.  Rich compost is a great way to dress perennials for their winter nap.

Composting gets our green thumbs up!