by: David Emmerson, LCCHS Science Teacher and Solana Center Master Composter
Kitchen waste, yard clippings, paper, coffee grounds, and other organic materials that are produced in the home are all considered “biodegradable”. This term has a positive connotation, especially to us environmentalists. It means that they can be broken down into their raw materials by [...]
Posts Tagged ‘soil amendments’
Why should I compost? I’m not growing vegetables.
Posted in Master Composters, tagged alternate daily cover, anaerobic, biodegrad, carbon dioxide, carbon sequestration, compost, Composting, decay, decomposition, food scraps, garden compost, gardening, green house gases, greens, healthy soil, home composting, landfill, Master Composters, methane, moisture, organic material, pollution, runoff, soil, soil amendments, Solana Center, sustainability, vermicomposting, waste, water conservation, water retention, yard clippings on November 18, 2009 | 1 Comment »
“Rotline” Question of the Week: Where can I buy worms in San Diego?
Posted in "Rotline" Question of the Week, tagged compost, Composting, gardening, red wigglers, red worms, san diego, soil amendments, Solana Center, vermicompost, vermicomposting, where to buy worms, worms on August 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The City of San Diego provides a convenient list of recommended locations to purchase worms. If you are starting a Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin, you will need about 1 lb. of worms. The type of worms you need are “red wigglers” or “red worms” (eisenia foetida). If you have any questions about getting started call the [...]
“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need to shred or grind my materials to compost them?
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged "Rotline", augers, blender, chippers, clippings, compost bins, Composting, decomposition, grinding, plant trimmings, shredders, shredding, soil, soil amendments, Solana Center, speeding up the process, vermicompost, worm bins, worms on August 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
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 would [...]
“Rotline” Question of the Week: Is hay or straw best for my compost?
Posted in "Rotline" Question of the Week, tagged aeration, browns, carbon, compost, compost bins, Composting, greens, hay, Heat, Master Composters, nitrogen, soil amendments, straw, Temperature, weeds on August 4, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Hay is considered a nitrogen source, or a green, and can be added to your compost bin. Because hay often has weed seeds in it, make sure that your bin is reaching a hot temperature, 100 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are passively composting and not achieving high temperatures, you can bag the hay [...]
“Rotline” Question of the Week: How can I make my own compost bin?
Posted in "Rotline" Question of the Week, tagged bins, compost, Composting, fertilizer, homemade, recycling, Smith & Hawken Biostack, soil amendments, Solana Center, stackable wood bin, wire mesh bin, wooden pallet bin on July 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
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 four wooden pallets, bolts, and latches and you’re on your way
Wire mesh bin: easy to make and inexpensive
Homemade designs often do not include lids [...]
EDCO proposes green waste recycling facility in East County
Posted in In the news!, tagged compost, Composting, green waste recycling facility, organic material, soil amendments, Valley Center on July 16, 2009 | 1 Comment »
EDCO Waste and Recycling Services will apply for a major use permit for a green material processing, recycling, and composting facility this year. The facility would be located on a 197 acre site on Betsworth Road in Valley Center.
According to the North County Times, the facility would accept leaves, lawn clippings, brush, and other organic [...]
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