Master Composter Course

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.

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
• Macrodecomposers 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.

BEFORE REGISTERING, please enter your address here to check your residency. You can select the County of San Diego Residents ticket option ONLY if your jurisdiction boundary result is exactly “S.D. COUNTY.” All others must select the waitlist option.

Course Fee: $25*

*If this course fee presents a financial hardship, it may be waived upon request. Please contact Erin Stone at [email protected] before registering to inquire.

This course has been made possible through generous funding from: