Do it Yourself Worm-Casting Tumblers

A compost tumbler mixes the compost inside a barrel from the outside. This prevents the need for turning the compost by hand, using a shovel or other mixing tool. The barrel mixes the compost by spinning it on a wooden stand. This can work for creating worm-casing compost as well as regular yard waste, food scrap or manure compost.

2-by-6 boards
Table saw
Measuring tape
Barrel with screw-on lid
8, 3.5-inch carriage bolts
Power screwdriver
Drill
.75-inch metal pipe with threaded ends (about 3 feet long)
.75-inch threaded pipe caps
Yard compost
Earthworms

Instructions

- 1
  Cut four boards equaling the height of your barrel. Lay two of the boards on end onto the ground. Place the narrow end of one board in the center of the board on the ground. Screw the two boards together with four carriage bolts. Repeat the process for the other two boards. You should now have two “T” shaped sections.
- 2
  Drill a 1-inch hole into the bottom of each “T” section about 1 inch down from the top.
- 3
  Drill a 1-inch hole through the center of the barrel. Drill several smaller, one-quarter-inch holes randomly around the body of the barrel. Leave the bottom and lid solid.
- 4
  Stand the “T” boards with the drilled side facing up. Thread the pipe through one board, through the center of the barrel and through the other board. Screw two pipe ends onto the ends of the pipe to secure it.
- 5
  Fill the barrel with yard compost. Add enough water to keep the compost damp. Add 20 to 50 worms to the barrel. Screw the lid on tightly.
- 6
  Turn the barrel once a week to help mix the materials and keep the mixture aerated. Add more water, as necessary, to keep the mixture moist and warm.

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