• Agromin Recycles More Than 365,000 Tons of Green Material in 2009 - Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 4:32 PM
  • Agromin, the green recycler for more than 50 communities in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Orange counties, recycled 366,800 tons of green material from residents and businesses in 2009. The amount recycled was a 21 percent increase over 2008 when 302,139 tons were recycled.

    Green material, primarily grass clippings, leaves, trees, brush and wood, is collected and delivered to Agromin's recycling facilities. Non-green items (i.e., plastics, bottles, paper) are removed before the material is chopped and composted into soil products. The process takes about 60 days. The soil products are then distributed to growers, landscapers and consumers.

    "The soil is made using an all-natural process," says Bill Camarillo, Agromin's CEO. "We speed up composting by constantly turning and watering the green waste, but it's still the tiny microorganisms in the material that do all the work. The result is clean, healthy soil."

    Agromin operations and soil products have won numerous awards. Last year, it was named "Composter of the Year' by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC). It was also honored in 2009 with the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) 2009 Dave Hardy Leadership in Organics Award. Agromin compost is listed by the non-profit Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) so it can be used to produce certified organic products in accordance to the USDA National Organic Program standards.

    "Our sustainable system keeps waste out of landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions," says Camarillo. "The increased amount of green materials collected in 2009 is a positive indication that more and more residents and businesses are joining in the effort."

    Agromin soil products are sold in bulk and in bags at locations in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange and Los Angeles counties. Products are also available online at www.agromin.com.

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  • Growing Season Just Beginning for Many Plants & Vegetables in November - Friday, October 23, 2009 at 2:46 PM
  • OXNARD, CALIF.--While many flowers and deciduous trees become dormant in November, others are just starting their growing season and will keep gardeners busy throughout the fall and winter, says Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products that are made from recycled green material.

    Native Flowers: Native California plants are on a different clock than non-native plants. They thrive in cooler weather when the rains come, bloom in spring and become dormant-like during the dry, hot summer months. Most are drought tolerant Plant native flowers now including Ceanothus (perennial blue flowers), Monkey Flower (perennial orange flowers), California White Sage and California Poppy. Also, consider planting wildflowers from seed. The California Native Plant Society (www.cnps.org) identifies native California vegetation so you can choose the flowers to fit your garden. It also lists nurseries specializing in native plants.

    Planting Trees: Fall is one of the best times of the year to plant trees. The bigger the tree doesn't mean the tree is healthier and will do well when planted. Transplanting younger trees, with a smaller branch system can mean less stress on the root system. Select the tree location carefully before choosing the tree. Do you want a deciduous tree with leaves that change colors or one that stays green all year long? How tall and wide will the tree become at maturity? Does the location have enough room to accommodate the tree's root and branch system? Once those decisions are made and the tree is selected, amend the soil before planting and surround the tree with mulch (six inches or more from the trunk) to keep in moisture and prevent erosion.

    Still Time to Plant Cool Season Vegetables: While the variety of cool season vegetables is less abundant than their summer counterparts, enjoying the taste of homegrown vegetables can't be beat. Plant broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas and spinach. Water as needed. If rains are frequent, no watering or once-a-week watering is all that is required. If hot, dry Santa Ana winds kick up, water once a day until the hot weather passes.

    For more gardening tips, go to www.agromin.com.

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    About Agromin:

    Agromin manufactures premium soil products for farmers, landscapers and consumers. Agromin is also the green waste recycler for over 50 Southern California communities. Each month, Agromin receives and processes thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green waste. The result is more vigorous and healthier plants and gardens, and on the conservation side, more room in landfills and less greenhouse gas emissions. Agromin is the U.S. Composting Council's "Composter of the Year."

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