Upgraded from a tumbler after moving from a town to the countryside. I’m very exited to see how this goes! Any tips are welcome.
This feels so farm-chic, which I mean 100% positively. Equally positively I want to say that the diagonal braces on the top have extreme Brewdtype Didn’t Think This Through energy and I’m here for it.
I love this!
Haha thank you! Yes, that definitely sums up the design and build process.
Could somebody give me an overview of how a multibay system works?
Here’s my understanding. You pile stuff in the first bay until its full. Then you turn it into the next bay and start filling the first again. When 1 is full, you turn 2 -> 3 and 1 -> 2 and start filling 1 again.
Is the batch in bay 3 done at that point? or should you let it age until 1 is full and everything needs to be turned again? Either way, the batch in bay 3 would have only been turned twice. Should you be stirring it within bay 1 and 2 or is turning it from bin to bin enough airflow?
I think what you describe is the general idea, yes. I’m not sure whether two turnings will be enough, it probably also depends on the C:N ratio and how hot it gets. But you can always turn it an extra time if it proofs to be necessary I’d guess. I’d love to hear from someone with a similar setup how it works for them.
You have it mostly right. The batch in bay three would rest and mature for the duration of time you’ve set for each cycle. Turning isn’t strictly necessary for the process to occur, though it does have its benefits, and the action of moving the piles from one bay to another is likely enough to aerate and homogenize the materials.
The resting period for the oldest batch allows for less thermophilic biology to begin colonizing the compost, and these will help you continue the breakdown and release of the nutrition available there.
You might be interested to read up on Su-Johnson Bioreactors for another composting method that doesn’t emphasize turning the same way the Berkeley method does.
@strix I have always wanted a set up three bay setup like this! When I can finally buy my own house I will definitely upgrade from my tumbler and build my own. Hope it goes well for you!
Thank you, I hope so too! I’m rooting for you to get your own some day.
We had one of these for twenty years. Made composting a breeze. I used a pitchfork to turn compost and move it from bay to bay. Made black gold out of weeds, leaves, and kitchen scraps.
That sounds great! The pitchforks were included with the farm so we’re all set!
