Warm weather is almost here, and with it comes wheelbarrow loads of landscaping leftovers like grass clippings, hedge trimmings, weeds and other yard wastes. Instead of hauling all that stuff to the curb or dumping it into the garbage, why not put your yard waste to good use in your own backyard? Mecklenburg County will even show you how to do it for cheap.
Composting is easy to do. You can make an inexpensive bin on your own with some simple wire fencing in corner of your back yard, or purchase a commercial composting unit. After that, build your pile right and let nature take its course. Before you know it, that bin will be full of rich, black compost (also known as “black gold,” the kind you pay $5 a bag for at the garden store), ready to use in your garden.
Mecklenburg County can help. Enroll now in classes to learn how to use those yard scraps to save money and give your yard a beautiful and environmentally friendly makeover. The basic Home Composting Workshop is a 2-hr. hands-on workshop. Topics include home composting and residential recycling, soil preparation and management, toxicity reduction, grasscycling and mulching. This class is suitable for beginners.
Classes are limited to 20 people per class, and required for anyone wishing to participate in the advanced Master Composter program. Classes are held from 10:00 a.m. to noon (unless otherwise noted) at a cost of $10 each, at many locations throughout Mecklenburg County. They are held outdoors so please dress appropriately. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety reasons.
Pre-registration is required and may be completed online. The deadline for registration is the Wednesday before the class. Please select a workshop and complete the registration form for online registration or register by phone 704-336-4304.
