Learn from a Master Gardener with 12 years of composting experience!
Container tips for hot home composting:

• Containers should be nothing less than one cubic yard in size
• Commercial containers are often too small and don’t allow for easy pile turning.
• A segmented container is very useful when it comes to turning the pile; build one yourself out of wood.

(Note:  If you need them, plans to build a container are available from a variety of resources.  Check the Internet, or with local recycling centers or other businesses to see if they have plans available.)

Hot composting begins with making the pile:

• You need two ingredients — greens (nitrogen) and browns (carbon); nothing larger than a thumb.
• Have a cubic yard ready beforehand; you can store in bins while gathering.
• Start with a 2” layer of greens, then a 2” layer of browns.
• Water well, fork, and water remaining dry spots.
• Repeat until pile is full and soaked.

   

Cooking the pile:

• Have a compost thermometer available (check the web if you can’t find it locally).
• Temperature should reach at least 140º; lower layers of the pile will be the hottest.
• Cooking continues as long as the pile stays soggy.
• Hot weather is not necessary for cooking; proximity to a water source is more important when choosing a site.
• Cooking correctly will eliminate any weed seeds.

Turning the pile:

• Frequency of turning is a personal choice.
• Effort or faster compost production — the more you turn, the faster it cooks.
• Turn the pile on it’s head; you do not want to mix the pile.
• When turning, you may notice large white grubs.  Don’t worry.  These are just the harmless larvae of green beetles.  They won’t damage your plants.
• Compost will be ready in about 3 months with one or two turns.

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With no end in sight to a statewide drought, there is a greater need than ever to conserve water.  The County Television Network’s (CTN) “Down to Earth” program offers several episodes that will help you make the most of moisture.

Water-Saving Irrigation for Your Garden  (Watch it!)
Without much rain, garden sprinklers play a key role in your plants’ survival but also can contribute to wasteful watering. Learn how to use zoning to reduce your water usage.  

Mulch for More Moisture  (Watch it!)
Spreading shredded mulch on top of bare garden soil helps save water by preventing it from evaporating or washing away. Find out where County residents can get all the free mulch that will fit in a truck!

Mediterranean Makeover (Watch it!)
Turn a thirsty lawn into a beautiful and water-wise garden.
Plants used for this project.

Mediterranean Plant Palate (Watch it!)
It’s not difficult to resist the urge to throw down turf once you’ve seen the smart style of Mediterranean landscaping.
Plants used for this project.

Native Plants (Watch it!)
Since they are inherently suited to our climate, native plants require very little water and care once they are established.
Plants used in this garden.

Planting a Native Garden  (Watch it!)
Don’t fight what nature gave us…plants that are native to the area are both beautiful and water-efficient, since they thrive in the arid San Diego climate.
 

 
The Water Conservation Garden  (Watch it!)
Cuyamaca College’s water-wise garden in El Cajon demonstrates how xeriscape gardening techniques can be applied to your landscape.

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