Soil & Compost
Sifting Compost: What a Fine Idea
Our fervent followers may have noticed and supported our recent trommel fundraising campaign for the Food Cycle program. Thanks to generous donations the trommel was fully funded and is now benefiting Food Cycle “tromm”endously. We are extraordinarily grateful. While our fundraising pitch explained that a trommel can expedite the composting process, we’d like to share…
Read MoreFrom the Rotline: Do red wigglers belong in my backyard compost bin?
Rotline Question: Should I put red wiggler worms in my backyard compost bin? Answer: This is a question that comes up often when folks visit our store to purchase composting worms, and we often have to urge folks not to add worms to their backyard bin. The reason lies in the fundamental differences between traditional…
Read MoreBenefits of a Mechanized Trommel
How will Solana Center’s mechanized trommel benefit you? Investing in a trommel has multiple benefits, but the primary purpose for acquiring this equipment is to accommodate the growth of the Food Cycle program and process compost faster. A trommel will: allow the Food Cycle program to grow, serving more local families, individuals and organizations; divert more food…
Read MoreHealthy Soils Make Food and People Healthier
Healthy soils help make a healthy environment and nourishing food for our bodies. This winter, Solana Center worked with local farmers and ranchers to discuss the state’s Healthy Soils Program, strategize ways to implement best management practices, and improve productivity. According to the Farm Bureau, San Diego County has more small farms than any other county in the US…
Read MoreFrom 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 MoreMaster 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 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 MoreSquiggling 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…
Read MoreComposting Provides Benefits and Solutions for Local Growers
San Diego County is home to more small farms (less than 10 acres) than any other county in the U.S. and an ever growing number of community gardens, both of which often produce much more organic material than typical residences. Composting offers solutions for managing large amounts of organic matter and recycles the minerals and…
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