FCMP OUTDOOR IM 4000 Tumbling Composter Instructions
- June 3, 2024
- FCMP OUTDOOR
Table of Contents
FCMP OUTDOOR IM 4000 Tumbling Composter Instructions
Thank you for purchasing our tumbling composter.
Setting-up your Composter
First select a location to install your composter that is convenient to move materials to and from, usually close to a garden. Choose a flat surface with enough room to be able to rotate the composter and if able, be sure to select a location in direct sunlight, to help cook your compost.
To assemble, you will need an adjustable wrench and flat screw driver. An additional set of hands will be helpful too! Complete assembly instructions are included on inserted sheets.
What to put in your Composter
The composting process works best by mixing moist greens (nitrogen rich) with dry browns. (carbon rich) in a ratio of approximately 1 part greens to 2 parts browns. Start with a scoop of regular garden dirt to introduce the needed microbes.
Do not compost:
– meats/fats/bones
– dairy products
– trash/plastic
– wood ashes
– invasive plants/weeds (i.e. poison ivy)
Batch Composting
Checking the Process
After 2 or 3 days, check your mix to see if it is getting hot. When your mix is hot, the beneficial organisms are multiplying and doing their job decomposing materials. Turning the composter 5 to 10 times every 2 or 3 days will mix the materials and keep the process active. Squeeze a handful of compost to ensure the materials are not drying out. If it feels like a damp sponge, the water level is fine if it feels dry, add a little more water (be careful not to add too much) and turn the composter to mix well.
Depending on the material you added your compost should be ready in 2 to 8 weeks. Finished compost will contain fine and coarse material. For a fine blend, sift the compost to use in potting mixes. Use the coarser compost as a nutritious top-dressing around outdoor plantings or till directly into your garden! You may also use finished compost as a starter for your next batch, or to heat up a batch that cooled too quickly.
To remove the finished compost, turn the barrel of the composter so the door is facing the ground and slide the door away from the chamber you want to empty. Make sure part of the door is still covering the unfinished side, which may not be ready to be emptied.
COMPOSTING TIPS
3 Rules of Composting
- Quality Materials and Proper Ratio of Greens (Nitrogen) to Browns (Carbon) approximately, 2 parts greens to 1 part browns
- Consistent Moisture – mix should feel like a damp sponge
- Good Air Circulation turn the composter every few days after the batch heats up to help aerate mix and encourage faster decomposition
Grasscycling : Leave grass clippings on your lawn or use them as mulch. This is an excellent source of nitrogen and helps absorb water.
Trouble Shooting
1) Compost Mix does not heat up:
– Mix is too wet add dry browns
– Mix is too dry add water
– Mix ratio is off check green/brown ratio and add accordingly
2) Odor
– Ammonia smell means too much nitrogen (greens) add dry browns
– Putrid smell ( like rotten eggs) means mix is too wet and/or not enough
oxygen add dry browns to absorb excessive moisture and turn composter open
air vent
3) Problems with Pests/Insects
– Rodents are attracted to meat and fatty foods remove them
– Flies/insects are attracted to uncovered wastes, especially kitchen scraps
mix or cover with brown materials or finished compost
****Small shredded materials decompose faster. Run your lawnmower over pine needles or leaves and cut up kitchen scraps to speed the composting process.
For more information, instructions, and composting tips visit www.fcmponline.com
Assembly Instructions
www.fcmponline.com
Complete assembly information pictorial on our website
