Yes, if you are not adding materials to your ComposT-Twin,
you may wish to cover it with a composter cover. Check
our on-line ordering for the ComposT-Twin Cover.
What type of maintenance does the ComposT-Twin require?
The Mantis ComposT-Twin requires little maintenance. After
emptying finished compost from a chamber, rinse the inside
thoroughly with a garden hose. Occasionally, check the
breather screens in the doors to ensure they are not clogged.
At the beginning of each season, lubricate the four axle
rod guides with a wheel bearing-type grease, and check
all screws and bolts for tightness.
Will the composter work if you only put grass in it?
Yes, you can compost only grass, but not very efficiently.
A better mix is 60% brown leaves and 40% green grass.
Another good addition to a new compost batch is compost
activator, or good garden soil - both of which include
the beneficial bacteria that speed up the decomposition
process.
No, you don't want to have pests in your compost pile.
Traditional piles can invite all sorts of unwanted pests.
Food scraps, especially meat and fish, can attract rodents.
Fruit will often attract bees and wasps. And, some materials
will attract birds, especially during nesting times. One
of the many advantages of the ComposT-Twin is that it's
totally enclosed, virtually eliminating rodents, bees,
and birds. So, you can compost more materials without
the problems associated with "open" compost
piles.
Your compost should be between 120° Fahrenheit and
150° Fahrenheit, which will make for speedy composting.
If the temperature is lower, the pile will still decay
– but more slowly. If the temperature is too high,
it may kill the beneficial microorganisms that help break
down your compost (compost rarely gets too hot). The Compost
Thermometer, available via our on-line shopping, will
help you monitor the temperature in your compost chambers.
Can I add all of my grass clippings to the compost chamber?
Never add large quantities of grass clippings to the compost
chamber. If they are fresh, the nitrogen ratio will be
too high for the pile to decay. If you want to use your
grass clippings, add a little at a time and store the
rest in garbage bags or in a small pile elsewhere until
they turn brown. Then they can be used as a carbon source.
Compost is an efficient way to recycle yard and garden
"wastes" into the perfect slow-release fertilizer
for your vegetable garden, flower garden and lawn. Compost
improves your soil structure; it aerates clay soil for
better drainage, and gives body to sandy soil to hold
moisture and encourage strong root systems. Follow nature´s
example by returning and recycling as much organic matter
as possible to the soil.
What is the advantage of two composting chambers for
the ComposT-Twin?
You can allow one chamber to "cook" while you
continue to add material to the other chamber. With the
Mantis ComposT-Twin you´ll always have plenty of
finished compost on hand, as well as a place to put compostable
materials.
Turn your ComposT-Twin once a day to properly aerate the
material in the chamber. Make sure to turn at least four
complete revolutions of the drum. This action aerates
the material in the chamber and fluffs the contents. Proper
aeration aids in maintaining proper moisture levels –
proper moisture means contents will not develop an ammonia
or sulfur-like smell. The mixture should feel like a wrung-out
sponge. Use your Moisture Meter to test moisture levels.
The reading should be between 4-7. The Moisture Meter
is available via our online shopping.
