Compost Can Save The World! The Workshop Series

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Saturday, November 21st, 2015
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Research has shown that living soils produce higher yields and healthier food–that just plain tastes better. Living soils do this all, while capturing and sequestering carbon. The first step to living soil is good compost. Yes folks, compost can save the world! In this workshop series we will dig into the art and science of composting.

Participants will learn how to turn food scraps and yard waste into the worlds’ best plant supplement. If you’ve never composted before, or have tried to compost but ended up with a slimy mess, then this series is for you. If you’ve been composting for years, but want to learn more about what’s going on in those piles, then this series is for you. If you’re a compost junkie, and take every opportunity to talk about compost, then you guessed it… this series is for you. You will be guided through the fascinating world of composting by Jesse Frank, our resident compost nut. For the last few years Jesse has been learning all that he can about the “Life in the Soil” from Dr. Elaine Ingham, the leading expert in soil biology and all things composting. Come on down and learn about the Soil Food Web, Worm Composting, Hugelkultur and more!

Session 1: Saving the world one compost pile at a time! In this session we learn the basics, talk about the pros and cons of different bins and look a little deeper at the basic backyard composting system. We will start the morning inside with some info sharing, some presentations, and maybe even a video or two. Don’t fear though, we will spend most of our time poking into compost and building a compost pile. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, or bring gloves.

Session 2: Vermicomposting - Let worms do the work for you! Vermicomposting is a fancy term for composting with worms. In this session we will dig into the life cycle and needs of the red wriggler. We will look at different bins and systems, from homemade bins to fancy worm hotels. Participants will learn how to leverage the power of worms to compost kitchen scraps in their backyard, on their porch or even in their kitchen. Who doesn’t like to play with worms!

Session 3: Compost happens! In this session we build on our previous knowledge to look at the many options for composting in place. We will learn about sheet composting¬–sometimes called lasagna gardening. We will explore the ever popular hugelkultur, and we will talk about the simplest of compost systems–trench composting. Participants will learn how easy it is to use the hard work of bacteria, fungi, worms and other critters to create beautiful garden soil.