The Course
If turning your kitchen scraps into garden gold sounds like a bit of alchemy, then you're in for a treat! This mini-course is a deep dive into the world of home composting, unpacking the magic behind transforming everyday organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. You'll learn the basics—from setting up your compost bin, identifying what can and can't be composted, to understanding the role of browns and greens for a balanced compost mix. And with a sprinkle of troubleshooting tips, you'll sidestep common composting pitfalls and keep your bin humming along happily.
But it's not just about what happens in the bin. We're also going to explore how home composting has sweeping benefits, like slashing your carbon footprint and giving your garden a boost without chemical fertilizers. You'll see real-life examples of composting in action, showing that whether you have a sprawling yard or a cozy apartment balcony, effective composting is totally doable. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to turn waste woes into eco-wins and soil successes, making the planet a little bit greener with every peel and coffee ground.
What you will learn
You know, when I started putting this mini-course together, my goal was to make composting at home feel like a walk in the park – simple, refreshing, and something that just becomes a part of daily life. For someone just starting out, it can seem a bit daunting, but I've carefully organized each section to progress naturally from understanding what composting is all about, to actually doing it with confidence. Think of this as your hands-on guide that's been meticulously designed to give you all the support and knowledge you need. And I've packed it with bite-sized lessons that are super easy to digest, so you can turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into gardening gold without feeling overwhelmed. By the end of it, not only will you be contributing to a healthier planet by reducing waste, but you'll also enrich your garden soil, and I bet, find a new appreciation for the cycle of life right in your backyard.
Curriculum
- Introduction and Outline (3:52)
- What are Greens? (3:00)
- What are Browns? (2:24)
- Don't use these items in your compost (4:33)
- 5 Keys to Success (12:41)
- Container Options (4:05)
- Building you Pile (3:15)
- Care of your Compost Pile (8:14)
- My New 3 bin compost system (5:35)
- Kick Starting a dead pile (6:45)
- What is The Gardening Academy? (10:12)
Your instructor
I'm Rick Stone, your guide through the thrilling world of composting and gardening. With over two decades perfecting the art of nurturing a bountiful home garden, I've mastered the delicate balance of soil health and plant care, resulting in an annual yield of over 800 pounds of fresh, flavorful veggies right from my backyard. My fervor for gardening is matched only by my passion for sharing knowledge; from the vibrant rows of flowers that enliven our space to the year-round bounty thanks to our ingenious use of cold frames and hoop houses, even in the chill of Zone 6.
A proud graduate of the Utah State University Master Gardener program, my journey has led me to impart wisdom for many years, transforming novices into green-thumbed enthusiasts. With your participation in this Home Composting Mini-Course, we will embark together on a path to make your garden a source of pride and sustainability. Let's nurture an eco-friendly cycle right at home, channeling kitchen scraps and yard waste back into the soil – a practice essential for both our gardens and our planet. Join me, and let's cultivate not just gardens, but a greener future.
Eco-Savvy
Mastering Sustainable Waste Management at Home
Nutrient-Rich
Turning Scraps into Garden Gold
Zero-Waste
Embracing Circular Living Through Composting