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Some Composting Tips
Compost should be well mixed, oxygenated, moist and have roughly the right carbon to nitrogen ratio. This sounds difficult, but in a SUN-MAR it is surprisingly easy.
Keep the Compost Moist and Oxygenated
 This means rotating the drum regularly to add oxygen to the pile, and adding moisture if you think the compost is looking a bit dry. The drum does the rest because by tumbling the waste the moisture is evenly distributed and every part of the mass is exposed to oxygen. In addition rotation mixes the new waste in with the old which serves to help to physically break up and mix the waste.
Keep the Compost Warm
 This is not usually a concern because the compost in the drum and the drum’s insulating properties tend to keep the heat in. Even so, this won’t work in winter, when depending on the temperature composting can slow down or under 50F pretty well stop. Once the compost is frozen in the drum, it is not advisable to try and rotate the drum. The best course of action is just wait until spring comes. In the meantime by all means continue to put material in the drum.
Aim for the right Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
 Adding a mixture of kitchen and regular yard waste is effective, but for better , faster results, add carbon rich material (browns) like sawdust, straw, dry leaves, or wood chips (not cedar). These materials balance out the nitrogen rich green material and kitchen waste.
If you only add kitchen waste, you may need to add bulking material or pre-composted materials to help with oxygen penetration as the drum rotates.
Chop up the waste if possible: the smaller it is the faster the breakdown process. |
A SUN-MAR Garden Composter is a gardener’s dream. You know that by recycling you are doing the right thing, and it’s fun to produce your own compost effortlessly.