Jim, I have only seen those online--even people from the SC&M forum can't find them locally. You can check seedsofchange dot com and some other sites for more info. Make sure that if you get one, make sure you get a container of some type to catch the black oozing stuff so you can make compost tea. That stuff does wonders for your plants.

GL and HTH

Thanks ADR, I am helping a neighbor out for his wife's Birthday present next week. Told him I have seen them on online, but he was hoping for a local source. My compost pile is from the dark ages, just a large plastic bin!

Living in such a remote area as I do, I ordered a back porch compost tumbler thru the mail. Once I got the hang of what to add and how much to add, I have had success at making compost. If you're interested here is their number:

1-888-820-5114

I've been eyeing those myself, and yeah have only found them on line. I have three compost bins via the City of Chandler and really would like something easier to use. Ah well, someday...

I'm practicing making my first compost pile in a rubbermaid tub. I've heard of the tumblers, but am hoping that I can just wrap some bungy cord around the tub and roll it a bit to get the same effect.

My DH has a friend who tells him that composting isn't a good thing to do in the desert. Does anyone know why that would be true?

Thanks,
Jan

No! Compost is the most important thing you can add to desert soil. Keep it moist. Make sure you allow for air flow in your tub.
Happy gardening

I use the one below. I'm in michigan and even so sometimes in the summer it got so hot I could open it and see steam (heat is good, it speeds up the promise). I can only imagine what parking that black plastic in the Arizona sun will do for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: my compost tumbler

I use the one below. I'm in michigan and even so sometimes in the summer it got so hot I could open it and see steam (heat is good, it speeds up the promise). I can only imagine what parking that black plastic in the Arizona sun will do for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: my compost tumbler

gah sorry about the duplicate post, my browser was being all weird.

I live in Glendale and got one of the compost tumblers for Christmas this past year. It works great. Being black it creates a lot of heat and everything you put into it decomposes really fast. It's so much easier than trying to turn the compost in the plastic bin. There's even a spout at the bottom to drain compost tea. Mine was ordered on line.

Jan, I've done my compost tumbling as you're describing: in rubber tubs with bungee cords to keep the lids on. My only complaint is that I don't think the material got enough oxygen during the tumbling so it tended to get stinky. Now I'm using tubs but I pour it from one tub to the other (about 50 gallon containers 2/3 full) every other day. So far so good. So cheap!

I was thinking about making my own compost bin with garbage can, but after looking ata buying the can, screen (to keep the mice out after you drill the holes) and an auger to stir it.. I just thing spending 99.00 on a small cheap compost bin is the better way to go.. Any advice??

I saw some at tropicamango nursery that looked pretty nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: tumbler for compost

Lowes has them. I got a stationary unit, just tumble with a pitchfork..easy as heck