This seminar breaks down the barriers to composting, proving that you don’t need a massive farm to be a master recycler. Whether you live in a suburban home with a lawn or a downtown apartment with a balcony, we will explore scalable solutions that fit your lifestyle. From the biology of the “browns and greens” to the magic of worm bins and indoor fermentation, this seminar provides a step-by-step blueprint for closing the loop in your own backyard and growing a more resilient, chemical-free garden.
Audience Target: All Ages, Parental supervision required for children under 10.
Format: Seminar
Workshop Benefits/Learning Outcomes:
- Balance the “Compost Cocktail”: Participants will be able to identify and calculate the correct ratio of Nitrogen-rich “greens” (food scraps, grass) to Carbon-heavy “browns” (leaves, cardboard) to ensure a fast-acting, odor-free decomposition process.
- Select the Ideal Composting System: Attendees will evaluate various methods—including backyard bins, tumblers, and vermiculture (worm bins)—to choose the system that best matches their space constraints and volume of waste.
- Diagnose and Resolve Common Issues: Participants will learn to troubleshoot the three most common composting hurdles: unpleasant odors, pest attraction, and “cold” piles (stalled decomposition), ensuring a healthy and productive heap year-round.
- Utilize Finished Compost for Soil Health: Attendees will see the techniques for harvesting and applying finished compost to amend North Carolina clay, create potting mixes, or brew “compost tea” to boost plant immunity and water retention.
Fee: $17 for non-members, $5 for members
Presenter: Chad Shelby has been studying Horticulture since 2018. He has a passion for education and loves to bring excitement and passion to the classroom. He has been the project manager for several pro bono projects, specifically for non-profits organizations. Chad has spent the past six months developing new and exciting Horticulture Education programs for CFBG and is excited to share them with the public.
Registration: Pre-registration encouraged, in-person ticket sales end when the garden closes. https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000149
