On-Farm Composting Course

Learn composting management techniques from basics to troubleshooting; sifting to vector control; and regulatory considerations to global impacts. This course will combine lectures, hands-on training, and a field trip to operational composting facilities.

Composting on your farm, ranch, or large property is an ideal way to manage crop residues, manures, and other organic waste while creating a stellar soil amendment. During this three-week course, we will address the unique strategies, challenges, and opportunities that arise through medium-scale composting. This course does not address typical residential composting or large-scale commercial composting. It is intended for those mid-sized systems that fall in between, particularly farms and horse ranches.

* Saturday, January 22, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
* Saturday, January 29, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
* Saturday, February 5, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: Terra Madre Gardens 9928 Protea Gardens Rd Escondido, CA 92026

A tour of local mid-scale composting facilities will also be offered at a date TBD.
In this course, we'll cover the following topics: 

* Neighbor-friendly composting best management practices, scaled to farms
* Compost basics, e.g. recipe considerations, feedstocks, and bulk density
* Compost management, e.g. site considerations, odor, dust, and rodent/vector control
* What is permissible on farms without permits
* Composting/water saving benefits

Course Fee: $25*

Limited spots, register in advance to hold your seat: https://bit.ly/3EluhBX *If the fee presents a financial hardship, please contact Diane Hazard at diane@solanacenter.org to apply for a scholarship. Sponsored by the County of San Diego