Compost Tumblers

[artful bodger]

I am wondering if anyone has got a largish compost tumbler who has been using it for a while and is pleased with the results.
We bought one a year or so ago because we were getting annoyed about rats and other critters feasting on our compost heap, which otherwise worked reasonably well. Worms galore and everything broke down or got turned into worm castings in no time.
The tumbler we bought from a big hardware store is about the size of a 44 gallon drum and is mounted horizontally to the ground. It does have a few air vents and 2 compartments side by side. One that you add new stuff to and one you leave to compost.
We generally have been putting all kitchen scraps in it etc.
The resulting compost is less than hoped, in fact it looks and smells more like the contents of a septic tank.
Water can easily get into the tumbler when it rains and am thinking this could be part of the problem.
Any tips appreciated.
Cheers

[KBs PensNmore]

That would be part of the problem, water getting in. Are you putting in any brown material, dried leaves, paper etc.
The wetness will be soaked up by the dry leaves and paper, getting rid of the smell too.
It's a fine balance, too wet or too dry and it won't work. Make sure that there is a bit of rough stuff in there, small twigs etc, to allow air to circulate in amongst it all.
Kryn

[clear out]

Chips and sawdust from your turning would work also.
H.