Home-Made Compost Tumbler

Are you like me? Do you get a horrible case of the guilt trips every time you throw away a whole pile of food scraps?

For some time I have wanted to build a compost bin. I have heard about these very easy compost tumblers that are supposed to be great. Now, if you go looking, they can be REALLY expensive. But THIS ONE sure looks neat huh? Looks like a giant hamster ball!

So here is my new compost tumbler, based upon a craigslist free tip to "save your money, make your own compost!" There is a very helpful person that likes to post tips on our local craigslist, in the farm & garden section. He (or she) is full of good, frugal advice!

In any case, here is something similar:
Make a Compost Tumbler

But the basics are, get a pickle barrel.

Drill a bunch of holes using a 1/2 inch drill bit.







And you're done!

You can build a stand if you want, add a crank, and all that....but why not just have the kids roll it across the yard once in a while?

Total cost:

Commercial compost tumbler: $130+

Home made compost tumbler: $12.00 for a pickle barrel from the local farm supply/feed store.

Here's another simple way of doing a compost bin.

Oh, and I can't forget my obligatory "garden pic" :-)