Composting Class
Composting is getting popular! For the first year in the 18 year history of the composting program in Denver they fully sold out their compost classes. In fact, composting in Denver has become SO popular that in order to fulfill the need they added 20-30 classes!
There are two types of composting classes in the area, one is on general composting, and the other on vermicomposting (worm composting). The one I participated in recently was the general, and I’m signed up for the vermicomposting come late-June (so keep posted!).
The general class is as it sounds, and covers the basics of all styles of composting, with a focus on backyard pile styles and general knowledge of best composting practices. They also touched on tumblers and vermicomposting with two gracious leaders answering any questions people had. One was the charismatic and fun-loving composter lady, and the other was an encyclopedia of composting knowledge. Both great instructors that had recently come out of the “Master Composter Program” that Denver Recycles offers along with the Denver Urban Gardens.
Although neither teacher had vermicomposted before I was able to get my questions answered on the subject due to their strenuous composting course. The general composting knowledge also added greatly to my storage bank of info. All in all a well worthwhile class!
Most of the great tips and tricks I learned will be passed on to my newsletter participants, but some great info I learned at the class is as follows:
- The food deposited into landfills is what creates the large quantities of methane gas there. For this reason some cities are making it mandatory to have composting programs. (Compost to stop global warming!!!!)
- For hot and passive composting it is best to have a 60:40 ratio of carbon:nitrogen. Worms, it’s okay to have some more nitrogen
- Keep the staples on your teabags, unless you go tea crazy everyday it won’t make a difference.
- Don’t put too much citrus in with your worms, it causes mites, and some peels may not get eaten by worms at all. (this I want to do my own experimenting with)
This is just the tip of the iceberg of some of the fun facts I learned. I definitely suggest looking into composting programs in your area. Most likely they will be free, and you will probably need to register at least a month beforehand. It also doesn’t hurt to meet some fellow composters in your area to share secrets/worms/yard space. If you find you ever fill up your balcony with compost it’s always nice to have a yard friend to share the wealth with. Cheers!
