Dig this 🌱

The beginner’s guide to composting in San Jose

A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.

One person’s organic trash is another’s compost treasure. | Photo by Eva Bronzini via Pexels

Ready to begin composting? We’ve got the dirt on how to get started, plus the best compost bin for your needs.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter — like leaves, food scraps, and yard trimmings. You reap what you sow: The result is a dark, nutrient-heavy material, like soil, that you can use to enrich your lawn or garden.

How do you get started?

Find a dry and shady spot in your backyard to build your compost pile. Be patient — composting can take several months.

If you don’t want a pile of decomposing waste in your backyard, try a compost bin. Here’s some options we’ve bin eyeing:

For beginners | Try it out before you commit. This bin is easy to clean and is perfect for collecting scraps on your counter.
For style icons | Composting, but make it cute. Just don’t mistake this odor-free bin for your cookie jar.
For the serious gardener | This 43-gallon container rotates — no more mixing compost by hand — and has two chambers so you can add fresh waste while the older batch finishes up.
For the landscaper | If you plan to compost mostly yard waste, this open-top bin is a good alternative to a pile.

Can you compost without a backyard?

If you’re an apartment-dweller or simply don’t have the backyard space, you might want to give worm composting a try. Simply purchase a special bin and some worms, and let your new squirmy pets feast on your scraps.

WHAT CAN'T YOU COMPOST

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Monday, Feb. 27

Bullfighting 101 | Monday, Feb. 27 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | San Jose Woman’s Club, 75 S. 11th St., San Jose | Free | Learn from a former bullfighter and his granddaughter about the traditions of the sport in different countries around the world.
Trivia Night | Monday, Feb. 27-Monday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Free | Grab a team of up to six at this weekly multimedia trivia event hosted by local comedians.
Off Nite | Monday, Feb. 27 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St., Ste. 200, San Jose | Free | At this weekly event, audience members are invited to join hosts Mighty Mike McGee and Ato Walker to share upcoming events + activities.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

Lesia Khomenko: “Unidentified Figures” | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 4-9 p.m. | Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose | Free | The West Coast premiere of an exhibition of six larger-than life-size paintings by the internationally-known artist.

Thursday, March 2

San Jose Bachata Nights | Thursday, March 2 | Times vary | On One Studios, 422 N. Capitol Ave., San Jose | $15+ | Experience this dance party equipped with lighting, smoke machines, and state-of-the-art sound equipment.

Friday, March 3

San Jose Barracuda vs. Ontario Reign | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. 10th St., San Jose | $13+ | Our local minor league hockey team is ready to bare teeth.
First Friday | Friday, Mar. 3 | San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy a lounge-like atmosphere with music, drinks, and open galleries.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

50º | Rain | 96% chance of rain

Development

The San Jose Planning and Historic Landmark commissions approved an overhaul of the downtown Realty Building. Renovations will maintain the facade, but replace the structure with a 22-story mixed-use tower, including apartments for adults ages 55 and up. 🏗 (San Jose Spotlight)
The sites of two domed movie theaters owned by Syufy Enterprises may give rise to 500+ residences in San Jose. One theater was demolished in 2014, while the other site is now leased to Menlo Church. (The Mercury News)

San Joseans

John McKay and Michael North, former owners of the Britannia Arms pub, fundraised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local efforts over nearly 50 years of business. The San Jose City Council recognized them as “beacons of light” in the community. 🍻 (San Jose Spotlight)

Plan Ahead

Celebrate the 25th Annual Mexica New Year at Emma Prusch Park on Friday, March 10-Sunday, March 12. The event, hosted by Calpulli Tonalehqueh to honor San Jose’s Aztec history and the passage into the year 10 Rabbit, will feature vendors, performances, and an Urban Aztec mural by Jesse Hernandez.

Edu

The West Valley-Mission Community College district could become the second in the state to offer free tuition. The proposed bill seeks to offset the burden of high cost of living on students, according to Senator Dave Cortese. (The Mercury News)

Shop

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Finance

If cash back is king, this card is royalty. With a big sign-up bonus, up to 5% cash back, no annual fee, 0% APR until 2024 + more, it’s basically a no-brainer. *

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Dayten.

Editor’s pick: Speaking of movie theaters, I came across this article talking about a little-known downtown theater — check it out if you’re in the area. (By the way, Wednesday’s edition will be brought to you by City Editor Alyson. Thanks for having me. 👋)

Missed the last newsletter? We gave you the forecast for San Jose’s spring season.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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