Learn the Benefits of Composting with a Master Gardener

BREWSTER, NY — Sometimes the simplest tasks yield amazing results. Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County will host an Introduction to Composting class for those interested in learning about easy and environmentally friendly ways to build healthy soil for thriving gardens.

"There are all types of composting methods, and these options can serve people who live in apartments to those with extensive landscapes," Jen Lerner, CCE educator, told Patch. "The method you choose depends on the types of wastes you want to compost. While there are expensive units for composting in apartments, you can also do very inexpensive indoor bucket composting with red wiggler worms (these are different from garden earthworms) or bokashi, a fermenting technique.

"If you do have a yard, you can compost materials on the ground in a pocket dug into the soil or purchase a compost bin. Again, this depends on what materials you have to compost."

Yard waste and garden debris can be piled, which is free, but kitchen scraps should be contained to keep curious critters away, and the price of containers ranges from $40 to $300, she said.

Learn more at the upcoming workship, taught by a CCEPC Master Gardener Volunteer.

• WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 17
• WHERE: CCEPC, 1 Geneva Road in Brewster.

There will be a classroom presentation on the basics of composting, followed by a hands-on lesson in the SEDGe Garden (next to the Department of Motor Vehicles).

Compost is sometimes called “black gold” and has long been considered a gardener’s best friend. Composting takes very little effort or expertise and is a fun and inexpensive way to produce free, high-quality soil.

“Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste not only reduces waste going straight into our garbage cans, it also means less in the landfill and more great compost in the gardens,” Lerner said. “Increasing your compost footprint decreases your carbon footprint, and you won’t be paying to haul compostable yard and kitchen waste.”

The class is free and registration is open. Please dress to garden – bring gardening gloves, drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. In case of rain, the presentation and demonstration will be held in the CCEPC classroom.

To register, visit cceputnamcounty.org/events. For more information, contact Maureen Salerno,
Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, at (845) 278-6738, ext. 221.

For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go to cceputnamcounty.org/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at CCEPutnam and Instagram @cceputnam.