News & Updates

How to: Sheet Composting

Aug 11 2008

Have space, organic materials and time? Try sheet composting! While there are many methods of sheet composting, here's a how-to to get you started! 1. Begin with a thick layer of cardboard or newspapers. This part of the process eliminates light below that layer and inhibits weed growth while adding carbon to the soil.2. Add a layer...

Yucky but useful, critters in your compost bin

Jul 28 2008

On the Solana Center Rotline" (760.436.7986 ext. 222), we answer a lot of questions about the critters that appear in a compost bin. Some animals should be kept out (such as rats!) but others should be encouraged. One such insect is the larvae of the black soldier fly, a native to our area that can eat much faster than even the hungriest...

Coffee Grounds Perk Up Your Compost Pile

Jul 19 2008

Looking for that perfect 'green' for your compost pile? Try out some coffee grounds! Most coffee shops will save their grounds for you and your garden if you ask...for more information and ideas for the uses of coffee grounds, check out this article from Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707171641.htm [...

Manure Management Video wins an Emmy

Jul 3 2008

Exciting news! The Manure Management video created by the County of San Diego, Rich Flammer, Sam the Cooking Guy and the Solana Center has won an local Emmy for Advanced Media - Public/Current/Community Affairs! Read more about the award and see who else won at the National Academy website: http://www.nataspsw.org/ If you haven't seen it...

Worm racing!

Jun 30 2008

Dan "the Worm Guy" Kuhn of Vermipro and a great Solana Center workshop instructor has a booth at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. The worm education booth at the "Farm" section of the infield is not to be missed, especially at 2pm, when you can witness WORM RACING! Choose your favorite worm to cheer on to the finish line. Kudos also...

Composting on Fox News: Gardeners Get Dirty

Jun 3 2008

Our very own Rachel B. was on Fox News! Click here to watch. Gardeners Get Dirty (Make sure to scroll to the right if you cannot see the clip.)

Check out the KPBS story on Composting and Gardening

Jun 2 2008

A great story including guests from San Diego Food Not Lawns, La Milpa Organic Farm, and The Solana Center! The composting section starts at 33 minutes. Click here to listen: http://www.kpbs.org/radio/these_days;id=11772

Greens and Browns for your compost pile!

Jun 2 2008

Looking for extra browns and greens for your compost pile? Well look no farther! Here at the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, we've been collaborating with a local coffee shop to accept all their grounds on a weekly basis. If you are looking to up your nitrogen/greens for your compost pile, come by on Tuesdays or Thursdays,...

Do you have garden or composting pictures?

May 29 2008

I am compiling pictures of gardens, flowers, compost bins, finished compost, etc. for future projects. If you have any pictures you would like to share please send me an email (leslie[@]solanacenter.org).

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