On Monday May 16, OKT is hosting a free Composting and Vermiculture class from 6 to 8 p.m. at Garfield Park Lodge, 334 Burton St. SE 49507. Come and learn about the true nature of compost and how to end up with the rich humus that your garden needs.

What is compost?   The term “compost” is overused and not clearly defined by those using it.  Commercial industries, backyard gardeners and community gardens say that they are composting but that’s not always the case. Commercial compost you buy at the garden shop or big box store is not regulated—and can even contain toxic industrial wastes. True composting results in fluffy humus that’s rich in carbon.  While similar to potting soil in texture and color, it is much healthier for your garden.

In addition to standard composting methods, this class will also share the basics of vermiculture—using worms to speed and enhance the compost process.

This is the third in a series of four food gardening classes that OKT is offering this year. Next Monday May 23, OKT will share “How to Save Seeds.” The series will repeat, same time, same place, in June as follows:

• June 6: How to Plan Your Food Garden 1
•  June 13: How to Plan Your Food Garden 2
•  June 20: Composting & Vermiculture
• June 27: How to Save Seeds