Master Composter Course – El Cajon
Saturday: 9 AM - 12 PM
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Become a Master Composter! Join us at the beautiful Water Conservation Garden to gain in-depth composting knowledge to expand your sustainable gardening practices. You can earn a certificate of completion after attending all 5 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. Attendees must preregister.
After completing this 5-week course you will have a better understanding of how to:
* Minimize your carbon footprint and reduce your 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
* Macro decomposers in your compost pile
* A tour of the Water Conservation Garden’s composting exhibit
* The environmental impacts of composting
* … and much more!
Schedule (This class will meet Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.:)
* March 15th, 2025
* March 22nd, 2025
* March 29th, 2025
* April 5th, 2025
* April 12th, 2025
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.
Residents of unincorporated San Diego County 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.
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.
Made possible through generous funding by the County of San Diego. Thanks to our host, The Water Conservation Garden.
Visit: Master Composter Course – El Cajon
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Event Supported By
Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College
The Water Conservation Garden has nearly five acres of gardens and exhibits that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens, such as a native plant garden and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays such as mulch and irrigation exhibits. Admission is free, and the Garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour, or through one of our programs. Programs include:- Four to six classes per month for the general public, including landscaping, gardening, and art offerings. - Training in water conservation for professional landscapers. - School tours. - Regularly-scheduled adult group tours. - Tours by appointment. - Large educational special events. - Outreach programs, including a speaker’s bureau. The Garden can be a learning laboratory for the dedicated gardener, a delightful place for an afternoon stroll, or a place to gather lots of information about water-wise, or California-Friendly® gardening, while attending a fun family festival. The Garden is supported by water district dues, and by memberships, donations, grants, facility rentals, and gift shop sales. In 2005, Friends of the Water Conservation was created to increase private support for the Garden. The Garden does not allow dogs, with the exception of guide dogs. Hours: (Refer to the website for the most up to date hours) Spring, Fall, and Winter: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., some holidays excepted. Summer (June 1 – Aug. 31): The Garden is open until 7 p.m. every Wed. evening to enjoy a walk with your friendly (and leashed) furry friend. Cost: Free Admission The Garden is closed on the following holidays: - Jan. 1 - July 4 - Labor Day - Thanksgiving - Dec. 24 - Dec. 25
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