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The Ojai Garden: December 2010 Archives

December 12, 2010

Community Composting

Over 15 people came to the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden Saturday to learn how to compost. Master Gardener Jessica Craven taught the group everything they needed to know to compost successfully at home. CompstDec10_1.jpg Jessica covered all the basics of composting, and shared many tips with the group. Instead of purchasing a countertop container with a filter to store her kitchen scraps, Jessica keeps her scraps in a container in her freezer until she is ready to bring them out to the compost bin. Freezing the scraps also makes them break down faster once they are in the compost pile. Jessica also discussed compost tea and composting with redworms. CopmostDec10_2.jpgDuring the hands-on portion of the workshop, volunteers from the group took the compost that was made at Jessica's May workshop from the pallet bin… CompostDec10_3.jpgsifted it into a wheelbarrow… CompostDec10_4.jpg and then paused to see what finished compost looks like and smells like.
CompostDec10_5.jpgThen the group set to work building a new compost pile. They layered equal parts of green and brown material into the bin… CompostDec10_6.jpg, added water, and then mixed it all up. CompostDec10_7.jpgParticipants went home with all their questions answered, and a compost wheel to help guide them as they make compost at home. Photos by Les Dublin.

December 02, 2010

Composting with Jessica Craven

Learn how to make compost like a pro and turn your kitchen and yard waste into a valuable soil amendment that your plants will love, at this free, hands-on workshop with Master Gardener Jessica Craven. You'll save water by adding moisture-retaining compost to your soil, too!compost2010fall.jpg
The workshop will take place rain or shine on December 11 at 10:00am, in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden. Seating on the benches is limited, so feel free to bring a chair for a comfortable seat. The garden is located at 401 South Ventura St., behind City Hall.