The composting operation provides compost for the garden and it is used to demonstrate types of commercial and home made compost bins.

Compost is made from green waste from the garden, supplemented with grass and manure supplied by various donors. All large woody pieces from tree and vine pruning and all plant and vegetable material is shredded before adding to the compost pile. Green grass and brown shredded material is layered in equal layers approximately 1 to 2 inches thick. Water is added to the brown layer to make it slightly moist. The last layer should be brown material.

The garden demonstrates many different types of composter and classes are given to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of composter. Some of the composters at the Garden are: heavy plastic barrel, small round composter, Toro composter, Fresno Composter, Round and square wire composter.

At the back of the Garden, composting is done in the large straw compost bins or windows. The straw bin does an excellent job. See picture to the right for example. A compost sifter is also on the premises and used in the composting process.

Please check the Adult Education class schedule for the next scheduled composting class.

For more information about composting, see the following UC publication:

Compost in a Hurry