Seating is limited at this venue. Please bring a lawn or beach chair if you are able.

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

Want to get started right away?

We can bring PRE-ORDERED compost bins and supplies to the workshop! Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego can purchase a subsidized bin with proof of residency.

View available products here. Order deadline: Wednesday, October 21.

To place your order:

1. Make a purchase on our online store.

2. Forward your emailed order confirmation to [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, and let us know it is a pre-order for this workshop.

3. Talk to the educator after the workshop to pick up your order.

Space is limited; first come, first served.

A store purchase is not required to attend the workshop. During the workshop, we will provide resources about how to purchase supplies when you're ready to get started. Items will not be available for same-day purchase.

Exclusive discounts for Unincorporated San Diego County residents:

Compost bin ($50 for unincorporated San Diego County residents, $122 for others)

Can O Worms Vermicomposter ($60 for unincorporated San Diego County residents; $150 for other residents)

Arrival Instructions

Sweetwater Community Garden is at 5354 Sweetwater Road. The driveway is easy to miss, so here is a photo of what to expect when you arrive:

Made possible through generous funding by the County of San Diego Department of Public Works.

Thanks to our hosts, the Sweetwater Community Garden.