From the Rotline: Are Mushrooms Bad for my Compost Bin?
Fear not! Fungi are essential players in a functioning vermi-compost system. They are part of the food chain going on in your bin; while we often think that worms are directly eating our food waste, what they’re really after are the microorganisms that digest our food. This includes bacteria, which can break down simple carbon compounds…
Read MoreComposting with Worms: Wiggling through Winter
Temperature is incredibly important to the productivity and livelihood of worms. Just like us, worms are happiest in moderate temperatures, so they may also need some help to thrive during the cooler months. Fortunately, most of San Diego County rarely experiences freezing temperatures, which can be deadly to worms. After all, they’re mostly water! Nonetheless,…
Read MoreSolana Center Educator, Diane Hazard, Receives H. Clark Gregory Award for Outstanding Service in the Composting Industry Status message
ENCINITAS—The United States Composting Council (USCC) has selected Diane Hazard, Solana Center’s Director of Education, as its recipient of the prestigious H. Clark Gregory Award, recognizing excellence in composting, vermicomposting and public education. Diane is a Master Composter and has been working with Solana Center’s leadership and the community to reduce waste, create compost demonstration…
Read More2018 Press
Master Composter Class Tours Compost Facility, Family Dairy
Students in Solana Center’s Fall Master Composter course, sponsored by the County of San Diego, were treated to an excellent example of how composting can solve local waste issues during a field trip on November 3rd. The class visited San Pasqual Valley Soils and Konyn Dairy, adjacent businesses that partner together to make the most of…
Read MoreSolana Center Awarded 2018 EMIES for Food Waste Diversion Programs
ENCINITAS—Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) has been recognized for the 2018 Distinguished Program, EMIES UnWasted Food Award by the San Diego Food System Alliance (Alliance) for its commitment to food waste diversion programs in San Diego County. Solana Center’s Executive Director Jessica Toth received the award Tuesday at the Alliance’s annual Food Waste…
Read MoreMethane Limiting Legislation Brings Change
It is a very exciting time for those of us concerned with food waste! For over 20 years, Solana Center has been promoting various ways to divert organic material from ending up in our landfills. In the 1990s, Solana Center planned and applied for permits to develop a commercial composting facility in Valley Center. That…
Read MoreEasy Ways to Rat and Critter-Proof Your Compost Bin
A common misconception and one we are often asked about is whether composting will attract rats. Rats are quite prevalent in San Diego, particularly roof (or tree) rats. Palm tree and other dense vegetation (bougainvillea, honeysuckle) provide ideal habitats. Food is often supplied from fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and bird feeders. It is important to note…
Read More2017 Press
Squiggling into Summer with Worm Composting
Our temperate San Diego weather is usually perfect for accommodating the red wrigglers used for vermicomposting. Their preference is for temperature ranges of 55 – 77° F, but they can tolerate temperatures above and below this range. Temperatures should be measured inside the bin since they can vary significantly from external measurements. As we approach…
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