This is my system for mixing my own potting soil. It was made from a recycled dryer drum. I use a microwave to pasteurize the compost when making soil to propagate from seed. The microwave is from a yard sale at $5.00. A plastic shoe box with lid fits in the microwave and usually takes about 10 min to get to 165 deg f depending on moisture content of the compost. ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden ) The door consists of ¾” plywood, two hinges and six pull clasps. There is a 2” hole in the center of the door to permit inserting a wand of a tank sprayer to spray water just before completion of tumbling to eliminate dust from the vermiculite. The top of the door folds down to permit loading of material. I can load about 2 cubic ft or 15 gallon of material at a time. If the material is lumpy, I also add about one dozen #2 gravel (recovered after blending) to aid in breaking up the lumps. ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden ) I don’t think the standard drive unit or motor on a dryer would handle the added weight so I used a 3/4 HP motor and a worm gear speed reducer. I also used a heavier belt from the speed reducer to the drum. ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden ) When a batch is finished, I attach a plywood funnel to the front panel to reduce spillage. I also use a 40 gal trash can to store the soil in. I usually fill it about 2 times a yr. ( photo / image / picture from jbest123's Garden )
Gee your equipment makes my efforts of mixing my own seem a tad tame!! I use a couple of plant pots and a seed tray.
*raises hand. Same here! And here I thought I was getting REALLY sophisticated when I added perlite to my potting soil. John, I have no words............. (And for me, Miss Motormouth that I am, that's REALLY saying something!)
