As we entered into our spring thaw, a composting program was held at each of the three Defiance County Libraries- Defiance, Sherwood, and Johnson Memorial in Hicksville. During the composting 101 class, Stephanie Singer, Upper Maumee Watershed Coordinator described the basics of composting along with the many benefits to soil and water quality.
Did you know that one teaspoon of compost enriched soil contains one billion bacteria and several yards of fungal filaments? For those of you wondering if this is a good thing- YES, great for helping your plants grow! Did you know that grass clippings stockpiled near waterways can cause algal blooms and fish kills? Did you know that the average household sends 650 lbs. of compostable material to the land fill every year? Why not take your grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, and kitchen scraps and turn them into valuable soil?
Composting is easy! If it is a plant or was once part of a plant, it can be composted. Techniques vary from the very basic compost piles, to homemade bins, to commercial plastics bins. Successful and odor free composting involves weekly turning and watering along with a correct mix of ‘browns’ (leaves, straw) and ‘greens’ (fruit/vegetable scraps, grass clippings). The brown to green ration should be about 25:1. Want to learn more? Attend our next composting workshop!
Workshop participants were offered cost share on compost bins through a Healthy Soils grant. Many of your neighbors will be new composters this year. Sandi Brown, a teacher from Hicksville Elementary, attended the workshop and plans to use her composter with the school gardening program. Susan Mack, another participant, already had a home composter but graciously donated a composter to the school! Thanks to all of the participants.