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EARTHMAKER COMPOST BIN - FAQ
How easy is it to assemble and get started?
Your Earthmaker is delivered with Assembly Instructions and Users Guide. The parts 'click' together so assembly is really easy and requires no tools. No composting experience is necessary to get started.
How big is an Earthmaker?
Earthmaker has a capacity of 16.5 cu. ft. (123 gallons) and measures 31"W x 31"D x 47"H.
How long will it take to make good compost?
This is a trick question! Time taken to make true compost depends on many variables, eg: amount of waste material, whether it was shredded, nitrogen/carbon balance, moisture content, time of year etc. Good mulch is made in several weeks. A few more months of bacterial action converts mulch into real compost. A cold climate will slow the process while warm weather speeds the process. But speed is not really important once the continuous cycle process has been established. Earthmaker takes waste at any time and provides a continuous source of mulch/compost.
Can weeds be added?
Most weeds can be fed to your Earthmaker like any other green waste. But more tenacious varieties and some weed seeds (eg: oxalis, ground elder, celandine, bindweed, convolvulus) require special treatment. Shred them, seal them in a black plastic bag with some grass clippings and leave them in a sunny position to 'cook'. When they have been exposed to high temperatures for a few months they will have decomposed and can be fed to the Earthmaker.
Should worms be added?
Composting worms usually find their own way into the Earthmaker. You can accelerate the process by adding red wiggler worms to the middle chamber after material has been moved down from the top.
What do I have to do to start the continuous cycle process?
1. Site the Earthmaker in a flat, sunny, convenient position.
2. Start filling the top chamber with a mix of garden and food waste. Do not overload.
3. Every month or so remove the Pull-Out Panel and allow the material to drop into the middle chamber. Use the tool to push material down, gently, if necessary. Replace the panel. Continue filling the top chamber whenever waste is available.
4. Over the next few weeks the material in the middle chamber should gradually decompose and tumble into the bottom chamber. Sometimes you will need to use the tool, through the round hole above the door opening, to push the material from the middle chamber through to the bottom. Then you can repeat step 3.
5. Pull material in the lower chamber to the front before pushing more compost from the middle chamber into the lower.
6. When you are ready to use compost in the garden, remove it from the lower chamber (taking care not to damage the lower shelf with your spade!)
7. A continuous cycle is now established that can accelerate the decomposition process.
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