Vermicomposting (worm composting) has a benefit for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. Join us at the Linda Vista Library to learn how to start and maintain a happy home for red wiggler worms.

All attendees will have the chance to win one of two $20 visa gift cards and may receive a free sample of compost from Miramar Greenery!

In this workshop, we will cover:

• Benefits of composting with worms

• Tools, materials, and steps to start a vermicompost bin

• How to feed your worms and which foods are suitable

• Troubleshooting and maintaining your worm bin

• Harvesting and using finished castings

Composting benefits for your garden and living a greener life include:

• Save money on purchased worm castings and soil amendments

• Lower your contribution to landfills

• Increase soil health & soil microbiome

• Increase water retention in soil

Residents of the City of San Diego receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the workshop.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the City of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is exactly “SAN DIEGO.” All others must select the waitlist option.

This event has been made possible due to generous funding from:

Thank you to our host:

Linda Vista Library

Learn how to create a less thirsty and more environmentally-friendly landscape that saves water and money! Join us at this workshop hosted by the Fallbrook Library, where Solana Center’s knowledgeable educators will teach you all you need to know to get started with a garden that fits San Diego’s semi-arid climate.

All pre-registered attendees who are residents of unincorporated San Diego County will receive a FREE kitchen scraps container, courtesy of the County of San Diego. 

In this workshop, we will cover:

• San Diego climate-appropriate planting

• Using mulch and compost to build healthy soil that conserves water and reduces erosion

• Managing irrigation efficiently to reduce water use and cost

• Soil types and gardening styles

  
  

Made possible through generous funding by:

Thanks to our host:

What is an Aerated Static Pile (ASP)? ASPs offer a simple and cost-effective method for composting organic materials. These contained systems force air through the compost pile via ground-level pipes, encouraging rapid decomposition without the need to turn your compost piles! The system we will discuss is perfect for land with a small amount of livestock (for instance, 1 - 10 horses) and small- to medium-sized farms or orchards. Improper organic waste disposal can lead to pest problems, create health issues for livestock, and contaminate local water sources. There are so many benefits to this method of composting! Adding compost to your soil conserves water, mitigates erosion, sequesters carbon, and helps your plants thrive.

This workshop will address how to use an ASP to compost manure, crop residues, and food scraps. This presentation will also include a case study of Solana Center’s ASP composting system as an example of a successful ASP composting system

In this workshop, we will cover 

• Benefits of composting manure and other on-farm materials

• How to use ASPs to simplify composting and reduce the need for management

• How to create the best system for your needs, get prepared for composting success, and what to add to your pile for best results

• Managing pest and smell concerns with neighbors

• Ensuring compliance with San Diego County ordinances and/or Healthy Soils Program requirements

Whether you own livestock, a farm, a large property, or simply want to expand your composting knowledge, we welcome you to join our workshop at the Ramona Grange.

Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the workshop.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the County of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is exactly “S.D. COUNTY.” All others must select the waitlist option.

Made possible through generous funding by:

Thanks to our host Ramona Grange

Find us in your community this October!

10/2 - Ramona Farmers Market - 4 pm - 8 pm

10/4 - Fallbrook Farmers Market - 8:30 am - 2 pm

10/5 - Stagecoach Sunday Fallbrook - 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

10/18 - D6 Fall Festival Mira Mesa - 2:30 pm - 8:30 pm

10/18 - The Garden Goes Batty El Cajon - 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

10/19 - Horse Heritage Festival San Marcos - 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

10/25 - Birdstock Music Festival La Jolla - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Join Solana Center for this FREE 2-hour workshop where you will get an introduction to using the bokashi method (the word "bokashi" is a Japanese term meaning fermented organic matter,) as well as the basics of traditional backyard composting. The bokashi method involves using a particular group of bacteria that preserves your food scraps until you’re ready to compost them. Using trial-tested advice and demonstrations, our experienced educators will teach you all you need to know about incorporating bokashi into your backyard compost pile. 

All pre-registered attendees who are residents of unincorporated San Diego County can receive a free kitchen scraps container.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• What is bokashi and how does it work?

• The benefits of using the bokashi method

• What is composting and why it is so important

• How to get started on your own backyard compost bin

• How to incorporate bokashi into your compost bin and your garden

Composting benefits for your garden and living a greener life include:

• Knowing where your food scraps are going and keeping them out of the landfill

• Knowing exactly what went into your compost

• Using compost in your garden to increase soil water retention, and as a result, saving money

• Increasing soil microbiome & overall soil health for happy plants

Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the start of the course.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the County of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is exactly “S.D. COUNTY.” All others must select the waitlist option.

Made possible through generous funding by

Thanks to our host 4S Ranch Community Garden.

Be part of the solution! Get a hands-on introduction to natural dying and learn about sustainable textiles in this 2-hour family-friendly workshop!  Make something for yourself or a handmade gift for a special someone.

Appropriate for ages 10 and up (must be accompanied by an adult)

Cost:

$65 adults 18+

$55 youth ages 10-17

What to expect:

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use natural, earth-friendly dyes to create one-of-a-kind upcycled garments, household goods, and accessories. Using traditional tie-dye techniques and natural Indigo (an organic compound with a distinctive blue color obtained from the leaves of some plants of the Indigofera genus), makers will transform everyday items into beautiful, natural fiber works of art. Participants will also learn about the impact of clothing and textile waste, and the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in fashion during a short presentation. This is a hands-on outdoor workshop using water and dye. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. It is also recommended that you bring water, sunscreen, or sun protection. 

What to bring:

• Please bring a thrifted, used, or vintage white or light-colored textile made of natural fibers that you’d like to upcycle with hues of blue. 

• Natural fibers include: 100% cotton, linen, hemp, wool, or silk. Synthetic blends not recommended.

• Item options: t-shirt, cloth napkins, bandana, tote bag, scarf, socks, pillow cover, or sweatshirt.

• You’re encouraged to use something you already own or have thrifted to give new life to old or stained clothing rather than buying something new. 

• All items will need to be pre-washed using detergent and hot water before showing up at the workshop.  

• Solana Center will provide a limited number of bandanas for those who cannot supply their own item.

Full Live Course (3 days) - $900

November 5, 12, 13, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Discounts: 

• 10% off for current CRRA and SWANA members

• Group rate 3 or more participants save 15% - Use code: GROUP112025

Award-winning Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, in partnership with California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), presents Food Recovery Inspection Training: California SB 1383 Compliance. Experts will present deep insights into the Edible Food Recovery aspect of California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act (SB 1383)

Solana Center has extensive experience inspecting and providing technical assistance to hundreds of businesses and food rescue organizations. Experts will present deep insights into the Edible Food Recovery aspect of California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act (SB 1383). Part 1 introduces relevant aspects of the law and then focuses on edible food rescue requirements. Part 2 takes place over two days and provides comprehensive training for conducting edible food recovery inspections in the commercial sector. Thousands of inspection hours have been distilled into a digestible format. Registrants who attend all 3 days of the training will receive a certificate of completion.

“This course has helped grow my knowledge about the importance of Food Recovery for both people and the planet. The information from the course helps to understand the potential Food Recovery programs have towards the goal of creating a sustainable future.” - Participant from August 2025 training.

Part 1: Fundamentals of SB 1383 Food Recovery - Nov 5, 2025 - 9:00 - 1:00 PM PST

Part 1 covers the fundamentals of SB 1383 food recovery. Get in-depth information about how to comply with California’s regulations, which require organic waste recycling and surplus food recovery. Regulations will be laid out to encompass the perspectives of each stakeholder, including jurisdictions, food-generating businesses, food recovery organizations, haulers, and residents. This is perfect for anyone who would like to get a complete understanding of SB 1383 as it relates to food recovery.

Topics Covered:

• The impetus behind the law

• Overview of the regulations

• Who must donate edible food

• Edible food recovery requirements

• Food recovery programming

• Types of recoverable food

• Donation liability and tax benefits

• Food Waste Prevention 

• Organic recycling

Part 2: Inspection Training for Food Recovery - Nov 12, 13 - 9:00 - 1:00 PM PST

Part 2 provides you with in-depth information about how to comply with the food recovery aspects of California’s SB 1383 regulations, in which food businesses must donate 100% of surplus edible food that would otherwise be disposed of. The two days of highly interactive training provide step-by-step guidance for conducting edible food recovery inspections at businesses and food recovery organizations, including discussions of nuances and common stumbling blocks for each business sector. 

Topics Covered:

• Procedural breakdown of Food Recovery Organization inspections

• Procedural breakdown of Food Generating Business inspections

• Common challenges and lessons per sector

• Inspection process details for all regulated food-generating business sectors

• Inspection demonstrations and interactive exercises

“This training was a great opportunity to learn more about the food recovery aspects of SB 1383. As someone who is new to their role and will soon be conducting these inspections, it was great to learn more about the process and be able to hear accounts from people who are experienced at being in the field. After this training, I am eager to get started conducting inspections to help bolster our city's food recovery program!” - City of Torrance Inspector

Please note: this training requires participants to use a camera and microphone to participate in the Zoom training. This is not a webinar format.

For more information, visit our SB 1383 Food Recovery Inspection Training Program homepage.

If you have any additional questions, please contact - zero.waste@solanacenter.org

Frequently asked questions

This course has been featured in:

Composting with worms, also known as vermicomposting, has benefits for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. In-ground worm composting is especially suited to San Diego County’s climate and is more resilient to the temperature extremes we face, especially during dry, hot months. Join us at Bates Nut Farm to learn how to start and maintain a happy home for red wiggler worms.

All pre-registered attendees who are residents of unincorporated San Diego County can receive a free kitchen scraps container.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• Benefits of composting with worms

• Benefits of using an in-ground worm bin

• Tools, materials, and steps to start an in-ground worm bin

• How to feed your worms and which foods are suitable

• Troubleshooting and maintaining all worm bin styles

• Harvesting and using finished castings

Benefits of in-ground vermicomposting include:

• Greater resistance to temperature extremes

• Increased soil aeration in garden beds

• Save money on purchased worm castings and soil amendments

• Lower your contribution to landfills

• Increase soil health & soil microbiome

• Increase water retention in soil

  
  

Made possible through generous funding by:

Thanks to our host:

Join Solana Center for this 2-hour workshop where you will learn the basics of traditional backyard composting. Using trial-tested advice and demonstrations, our experienced educators will teach you all you need to know to get started with a bin that fits your needs and lifestyle. Perfect for beginners.

*All pre-registered attendees who are residents of unincorporated San Diego County can receive a free kitchen scraps container.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• What is composting and why it is so important

• Various types of compost bin options and how to pick which one works best for your needs

• What tools and materials you’ll need

• Which items are compostable and which to avoid

• How to build, maintain, and troubleshoot a compost pile

Composting benefits for your garden and living a greener life include:

• Knowing where your food scraps are going and keeping them out of the landfill

• Knowing exactly what went into your compost

• Using compost in your garden to increase soil water retention, and as a result, saving money

• Increasing soil microbiome & overall soil health for happy plants
  

Made possible through generous funding by

Thanks to our host

Composting on your farm, ranch, or large property is an ideal way to manage crop residues, manures, and other organic waste while creating a stellar soil amendment. Join us at the beautiful  Water Conservation Garden for this three-week course. We will address the unique strategies, challenges, and opportunities that arise through medium-scale composting. 

Course Dates:

Saturday, February 7th, 9:30 AM 12:00 PM

Saturday, February 14th, 9:30 AM 12:00 PM

Saturday, February 21st, 9:30 AM 12:00 PM

Field trip information coming soon.

Course Fee: $25*

*If this course fee presents a financial hardship, it may be waived upon request. Please contact Erin Stone at erin@solanacenter.org before registering to inquire.

Location - Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West El Cajon, CA, 92019

In this course, we'll cover the following topics

- Compost basics, e.g. recipe considerations, feedstocks, and bulk density

- Composting/water saving benefits

- Neighbor-friendly composting, best management practices, scaled to farms

- Compost management, e.g. site considerations, odor, dust, and rodent/vector control

- What is permissible on farms without permits

Please note: this course does not address typical residential composting or large-scale commercial composting. It is intended for those mid-sized systems that fall in between, particularly horse ranches and small farms.

Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego will receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the start of the course.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the County of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is "S.D. COUNTY." All others must select the waitlist option.

This course has been made possible through generous funding from

Thanks to our site host

Become a Master Composter! Join us at Fallbrook’s beautiful Palomares House to gain in-depth composting knowledge to expand your sustainable gardening practices. You can earn a certificate of completion after attending all five weeks, then go on to receive the Master Composter certification and badge after completing the additional requirements! Meet new people in this fun, hands-on course! Class size is limited.

Course Fee: $25*

*If this course fee presents a financial hardship, it may be waived upon request. Please contact Erin Stone at erin@solanacenter.org before registering to inquire.

Master Composter Schedule:

Saturdays, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11

9am - 12pm

Location - Palomares House, 1815 South Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, CA, 92028

Field trip information coming soon.

After completing this 5-week course, you will have a better understanding of how to:

• Minimize your carbon footprint and reduce methane emissions by keeping food and yard waste out of the landfill.

• Create natural nutrient-rich soil amendments with your food and yard waste that help your garden grow.

• Avoid using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

• Reduce water use and increase water retention. Compost increases your soil’s water-holding capacity and improves water retention. 

The Master Composter course provides training in the art and science of composting through lectures, demonstrations, and a field trip. The course covers the following topics:

• In-depth traditional composting and the basics of composting with worms (vermicomposting)

• Compost bin building and troubleshooting (in teams!)

• The microbiology of composting, including the role of fungi and bacteria

• Bokashi fermentation for saving food scraps to compost

• Macrodecomposers in your compost pile

• The environmental impacts of composting

• … and much more!

Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the start of the course.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the County of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is exactly “S.D. COUNTY.” All others must select the waitlist option.

How to get certified: Master Composter certification requires attendance at all 5 classes, as well as 30 volunteer hours of related community service. Certification is optional. 

Made possible through generous funding by:

Thanks to our host:

Palomares House & Park

Save the Date!

Sunday, March 22nd 2026 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Encinitas Community Center

Register to RSVP, not required to attend.

Free and open to the public.

Join Solana Center for a free community event focused on education and the impact of clothing and textile waste.

Participants will learn about the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in fashion, connect with sustainable vendors, and shop from local makers.

More details coming soon.

Local, sustainable vendors are welcome to apply to be part of the Expo. Visit https://forms.gle/b77pta95Evy7j3Dd8 or fill out the form below.