When it’s past its season — turn, turn, turn.Photo courtesy rr graphic design via Flickr

Tumblers

Tumblers are a medium-maintenance option for those with yards. By turning the compost regularly, more air mixes into the organic matter, which means faster composting time; the enclosed containers also mean less smell and fewer unwanted pests. But don’t buy tumbler sellers’ claims that they can produce workable compost in 14 days. It will likely be about 10 weeks.

And don’t buy a tumbler either — unless you’re lazy or terribly un-crafty. Tumblers are