Virtual Master Composter Course - County of San Diego

Become a Master Composter!

• Minimize your carbon footprint by keeping food and yard waste out of the landfill, helping reduce harmful methane gas emissions.
• Use this "waste" to create a nutrient-rich amendment for your garden. Compost use reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. 
• Reduce water use and increase water retention. Compost increases your soil's water holding capacity by up to 7 times and retains water for up to 7 days.
• Discover a wealth of composting options for all needs. Course will cover backyard (traditional) composting, composting with worms (vermicomposting), bokashi fermentation, and an array of associated sub-topics.

Virtual Course Format

• Instruction will take place through a combination of live meetings with our instructors held through Zoom, and independent study.
• Virtual, 1.5-hour weekly meetings will include dedicated Q&A time and live lectures from our instructors. 
• Independent study will consist of assigned readings from our online course manual, pre-taped presentations from our instructors and guest speakers, and more!
• We will offer a virtual field trip to observe a large-scale composting operation in action.
• An optional curated Facebook group to share with and learn from others.

This class will meet Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM

• Week 1 - May 5
• Week 2 - May 12
• Week 3 - May 19
• Week 4 - May 26
• Week 5 - June 2

Master Composter certification requires attendance at all 5 classes, as well as 30 volunteer hours of related community service. Community service opportunities will be discussed during the course.

Course Fee: $25*​

Unincorporated San Diego County residents will receive preferential registration. Residents of incorporated cities will be placed on a wait list and apprised of space available status 1-2 weeks before the start of the course. Please confirm that your home address is unincorporated BEFORE signing up for preferential registration. Enter your address here; you can receive priority registration only if your jurisdiction boundary is "S.D. COUNTY." 

*If the fee presents a financial hardship, please contact Diane Hazard at diane@solanacenter.org to apply for a scholarship. 

Made possible through generous funding by

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