Today’s Forecast

🌱 Dig this

The beginner’s guide to composting in Charleston

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 are 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.

The City of Charleston also has a free food scraps drop-off program. You can register for a free composting workshop set for tomorrow, April 19 at 2 George St.

What can't you compost?

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Events

Tuesday, April 18

Lowcountry Impressions | Tuesday, Apr. 18-Sunday, Apr. 30 | 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lowcountry Artists Gallery, 148 East Bay St., Charleston | Free | View Tommy Beaver’s newest collection of colorful Charleston street scenes as well as coastal-themed pieces.

Wednesday, April 19

Broad Street and Beyond: Author discussion | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 6 p.m. | Addlestone Library, Room 227, 205 Calhoun St., Charleston | Free | The Department of History at CofC invites the public to attend a book presentation and discussion on the unique history of Broad Street.

Thursday, April 20

Union Pier Public Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 3 p.m. | Gaillard Center Ballroom, 2 George St., Charleston | Free | Join the Planning Commission and Community Development Committee for a discussion on affordable housing.
Live Under the Oaks | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Charleston | Free | Sit under the oaks every Thursday in April and May during this live outdoor concert series.
Charleston Jazz Festival | Thursday, April 20-Sunday, April 23 | Times, locations, and prices vary | This eighth annual festival draws music-lovers from around the globe to Charleston for a four-day celebration of the Holy City’s jazz heritage.

Friday, April 21

Kiawah Conservancy’s Earth Week Celebration | Friday, Apr. 21 | 4-7 p.m. | Night Heron Park, Kiawah Island Parkway, Kiawah Island | Free | The public is invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, kids activities, and talks from environment and wildlife experts.

Friday, May 5

Moonlight Mixers | Friday, May. 5, Friday, Jun. 16 | 7-10:30 p.m. | Folly Beach Pier, 101 East Arctic Ave., Folly Beach | $8-$10 | Moonlight Mixers at the Folly Beach Pier are back — DJ John Dixon will be spinning the hottest oldies and beach music classics on the Edge of America.*

Fun local events this way

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Try This

Volunteer

Try This: The Cooper River Bridge Run wheelchair race

Presented by Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Athletes from around the country participate in the Cooper River Bridge Run wheelchair race. | Photo by the CHStoday team

Did you know that while runners gear up for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run, athletes from across the country take part in the Wheelchair Division race sponsored by Roper St. Francis Healthcare? We had the opportunity to attend this year’s event to cheer on the participants and meet the integral volunteers (many of whom are Roper St. Francis Healthcare Rehabilitation Services teammates).

What we tried

We woke up bright and early and headed out to the finish line downtown. We were greeted by the volunteers who dedicated their Saturday to help racers cross the finish line with everything they needed, from medical attention to hydration.

A lean, passionate group of volunteers support these elite wheelchair racers, including Physical Therapist and Neurologic Clinical Specialist Kyle Cooper. “These athletes have put in the hard work to compete,” says Kyle. “We’re just there to help facilitate their ability.”

The wheelchair race began at 7:25 a.m. — 35 minutes prior to the main run — so we got to hang out and chat with the spectators who came from near and far to support the athletes while we waited for them to approach the finish line.

We could hear the cheering well before the racers came into view. Speeding to the finish line first was Jose Pulido — finishing in 30:56 — swiftly followed by eight others.*

What not to miss

News Notes

Coming Soon

From the same team behind Le Farfalle comes da Toscano Porchetta Shop, slated to open in late spring at the corner of Cannon and President streets. The European-style eatery will offer Italian focaccia sandwiches, rotisserie, espresso, and grab-and-go items.
A new entertainment venue is coming to Mount Pleasant. MIX is expected to open on Thursday, June 1 in the former location of Butcher & Boar on Coleman Boulevard. Expect three bars, a patio, and games like duckpin bowling, axe-throwing, and ping-pong. (The Post and Courier)

Open

There’s a new food truck in town. Daddy’s Breakfast and Espresso serves breakfast sandwiches, “baby cakes” (fried chicken wrapped in a pancake), and Counter Culture Coffee. Check out this week’s schedule and locations.

Civic

The SC Dept. of Transportation is calling for feedback on the I-526/Long Point Road Interchange Improvements project now through Wednesday, May 17. There will be an in-person public hearing on Tuesday, May 2 at Mount Pleasant Town Hall.

Development

Aventon Companies broke ground on a luxury apartment community off Clements Ferry Road. Aventon Mikasa will include 336 units, a game room, fitness center, and pool and is slated to open for leasing next fall. (WCBD + Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Construction of Carolina Voyager Charter School’s new $13 million location is underway on Blue Water Way in West Ashley, relocating from Wappoo Road. The school is expected to open to students in August 2024. (WCSC)

Edu

A group of grad students at Harvard took first place in the ULI Hines Student Competition with a mixed-use development proposal for the former naval base in North Charleston. Check it out. Heads up: These plans won’t be used in real life. (WCSC)

Active

You’ve probably heard of pickleball by now: how it’s essentially tennis, ping pong, and badminton rolled into one, how easy it is to play, and how it’s considered the fastest-growing sport in the US. Here’s how (and where) to play in Charleston.*

Shop

This wedding season make sure to shower the happy couple with the perfect gift. Our online store (Six & Main) features presents such as dinner napkins by Willow Ship and celebratory cards by Joy Paper Co. Start shopping.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Tatum

From the editor

If you love downtown’s historic architecture as much as I do, it’s time to plan ahead for the 2023 Symphony Tour of Homes. This self-guided tour, set for Saturday, May 20, will feature performances by Charleston Symphony musicians and music scholarship winners. Get tickets.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out Charleston’s bike score here.

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