Climate Solutions: Aerators? What are those for?

Too lazy to turn your compost bin? Is it not easy to turn, or smells bad? If you answered yes to any of these questions, an aerator could be the right tool for you! Aeration (or the addition of air) is a very important ingredient in your compost pile. The microbes breaking down all the…

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Compost 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…

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From the Rotline: Where should I position my compost bin?

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a location for your compost bin. Sun or shade? A worm bin is best placed in the shade. Worms do not fare well in hot temperatures or during a deluge of water during a rainstorm. By placing them in the shade, they will be more…

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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…

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Learnings 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…

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From 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…

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Construya 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…

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How 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…

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Home 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.

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