Carlsbad is becoming compost-savvy!

The City of Carlsbad and local nonprofit, Solana Center, are teaming up to bring composting to Carlsbad. Through free workshops, subsidized compost bins, school education, and the training of local Master Composters, the City of Carlsbad will be transformed into a compost-savvy community.

Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic material such as leaves, grass, fruit and vegetables. Using microbes, decomposers, or worms, organics are broken down into a rich soil amendment. Amending soil with compost and worm castings can conserve water, reduce the need for fertilizer, and increase plant vigor and pest resistance. Not only do composting and vermicomposting return valuable nutrients to the soil, they divert organic waste from our landfills.

Community members are invited to join the Solana Center team at a free introductory workshop to learn how composting can benefit their homes, gardens, and local environment on February 23, 2013 at the Flower Fields or May 18, 2013 at the Calavera Hills Community Center. Backyard composting and vermicomposting (composting with worms) will be covered and attendees will gain the knowledge necessary to start a pile at home. For more information or to register visit www.solanacenter.org/free-compost-workshops.

For a more in-depth exploration of the topic, the Solana Center will train a corps of Master Composters in a 3-week course to become composting ambassadors throughout Carlsbad. Through a combination of hands-on activities and in-classroom discussion, attendees will hone their composting skills, learn about the variety and adaptability of decomposition methods, and gain valuable insight into the many benefits of composting. It will be an invaluable chance to develop composting knowledge and confidence at Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden in April 2013. For more information or to register visit www.solanacenter.org/master-composters.

To further encourage residents to become composting champions in their own homes, the City of Carlsbad is offering a compost bin subsidy program. Through the Solana Center, Carlsbad residents can purchase a traditional backyard bin or a vermicomposting (worm) bin for only $40. Check the Solana Center webpage at www.solanacenter.org/compost-bins for purchasing information.

For more information on composting in Carlsbad including workshop and course dates, please visit www.solanacenter.org/composting-carlsbad/