Traditional compost
Compost: It’s Alive!
The physical and chemical conditions in a compost heap seem logical if you think about what compost really is: an enormous pile of food for billions of minute organisms. These microorganisms have certain chemical requirements, including carbon for energy, nitrogen to build proteins, and oxygen for respiration. The most numerous organisms in a compost pile…
Read MoreLearnings from a Master Composter Course
These observations were originally shared by Kaitlin Mitchell of Rutabega Education and have been edited for cohesiveness. Solana Center’s Master Composter courses are a unique opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of the art and science of the composting process and empower participants to share this knowledge and passion with others. One participant in…
Read MoreFrom the Rotline: How Long Until My Compost Is Ready To Use?
Rotline Question: How long will it take until my compost is ready to be used? Answer: The timeline for composting depends on a number of factors. There are three basic approaches to composting which can be mixed and matched based on resources available and the composter’s goals. They are passive composting, active composting, and hot…
Read MoreComposting & Soil Resources in the Unincorporated San Diego County Area
Are you looking for home composting resources in the San Diego area? Solana Center carries many supplies for pick up from our center in Encinitas. Visit our online store to purchase supplies or view the complete list of locations that sell composting products in unincorporated San Diego.
Read MoreConstruya Su Propio Recipient de Malla
El recipiente de malla galvanizada es una solución económica para el abono. Se puede construir por menos de $20 y es fácil para mantener. Para mezclar el abono, simplemente deshaga el recipiente y muévalo al lado del material; luego vierta el abono en el recipiente en su nuevo lugar. Materiales Necesarios 10 pies de media…
Read MoreHow do Tumbler Compost Bins Work?
Tumblers are composting bins that are manually flipped, spun, rolled or crank-turned for aeration, depending on the style. These bins do not require turning with a pitchfork or auger, instead, the entire compost bin is turned for aeration. There are several variations on this theme. Below is a spinning tumbler that is subsidized by the…
Read MoreCompost Bin Discounts and Vouchers
Looking to start composting at home? Many jurisdictions throughout the San Diego region offer discount programs for their residents. Your eligibility for discounted bins will depend on what jurisdiction you live in. It is important to check your exact address, because you may not necessarily live in the city listed in your address, e.g. a Vista address…
Read MoreHome Composting Resources in the San Diego Area
Are you looking for home composting resources in the San Diego area? Solana Center carries many supplies for pick up from our center in Encinitas. Visit our online store to purchase supplies or view the complete list of locations that sell composting products in the City of San Diego.
Read MoreDIY: Build Your Own Backyard Compost Bin
Stackable Wooden Compost Bin The stackable wooden compost bin requires minimal carpentry skills to build. The cost depends largely on the quality of materials used, but you can expect it to cost around $50 when using cedar planks. Materials can also be obtained for free by scavenging wood from old fencing. The wooden compost bin…
Read More5 Ways to Heat Up Your Compost Pile – Even in Winter!
Want to get finished compost faster? You may want to try increasing the internal temperature of your backyard bin! Contrary to popular belief, compost piles do not heat up or drop in temperature due to atmospheric conditions (i.e. sun exposure, warm weather or cold weather) but rather, as a result of heat generation by specialized…
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