Traditional compost
Easy 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 MoreTroubleshooting Your Backyard Compost Bin – Common Questions
Compost is a very forgiving process. There are many “roads to Rome,” and no two compost piles are alike. But sometimes things don’t seem to be going exactly how you want them to. Here are some common compost concerns and how to handle them. Every composter begins with their own unique blend of compostable materials…
Read MoreFrom the Rotline: How do I prevent swarms of flies in my bin?
While there is nothing wrong with having flies in a bin (and in fact, I implore you to find a bin without a resident fly population) they are often cited as a nuisance by backyard composters. Flies do enrich the bin ecosystem; having a variety of decomposers allows for material to be broken down more…
Read MoreCocoa Oh No
I’ve been at the Solana Center for some time now, and the staff here really seem to love coconut coir! They are always recommending it as an ingredient in potting and seed starting mixes and as bedding for vermicompost bins. Coconut coir is a highly useful and sustainable product, but sometimes humans ask a scary…
Read MoreCritters in Your Compost! (ID Guide)
Compost is ALIVE! Curious about what’s living in your compost? The physical and chemical conditions in a compost heap seem logical if you think about what compost really is–a big pile of food for billions of minute organisms. These microorganisms have certain chemical requirements, primarily: carbon for energy, nitrogen to build proteins, and oxygen for…
Read MoreWhat are all those different grubs in my compost heap and should I be worried?
Many people are alarmed to find grubs taking up residence in their compost heaps, and the large population can worry some. Don’t worry, these guys are probably nothing to fret about. Most likely, they’re doing exactly what you want them do, which is EAT! They consume your organic matter and in turn leave you an…
Read More“Rotline Question” of the Week: Composting Pumpkins?
It is pumpkin season, but now that you don’t need your carefully carved pumpkin any more, don’t throw it away! Pumpkin is a great addition to both your compost and worm bin! To add pumpkin to either bin, it is important that it is broken down into smaller pieces. Chop, cut, or saw the pumpkin…
Read More“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need to shred or grind my materials to compost them?
Shredding and grinding materials speeds up the process of composting. Smaller pieces will break down faster in your pile because it increases the surface area. This makes the material easier for bacteria to break down the material. You do not have to shred or grind your materials. The process will just take longer. If you…
Read More“Rotline” Question of the Week: How can I make my own compost bin?
Making your own compost bin at home can be easy and rewarding, it it doesn’t take a lot of material or know-how. Here are a couple of designs we recommend: Stackable wood bin: minimal carpentry skills needed, can use recycled lumber (as long as it is not treated) Wooden pallet bin: all you need are…
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