Compost making – an environmental service?; a profitable business?; or food for the plants? Richard Wallis, the composting guest speaker, has convinced us that HCFA can manage its composting facilities with all three objectives in mind.

The bank holiday weekend meant that numbers were thinner on the ground than normal. Those who did attend were treated to an amusing and informative demonstration on the art of composting.

Richard explained the essential components of good compost – aeration, layering green (grass cuttings, hedge trimmings etc) and brown (wood chippings, bark etc) materials, heat retention and moisture. These factors all improve the structure of the compost and the microbial activity necessary for breaking down the organic matter into essential elements (nitrates, phosphorous, potassium, calcium etc) for plants.

We then set about turning…….. the theory into practice (and the compost pile). Richard showed us how to layer, turn/rotate and insulate a composting heap.

HCFA would like to thank Richard for his expert guidance. We were all left wondering why such beneficial materials are called a waste at all – as they say one mans waste is another mans compost.
 

Just a quick reminder about the composting workshop taking place this Saturday 28th August at the Faggs Road allotments. It's all well and good growing good produce in the first year but the key skill is to keep the soil alive and full of nutrients for the following year. Learning to create good compost is the main part of this strategy so please come along to learn how!

Subject: At this time of year replenishing the soil, depleted of nutrients by this years crop, with well rotted compost is essential. This workshop will explain the theory behind composting – aeration, materials, heat retention, layering, turning etc – and practically demonstrate how to build a compost heap from scratch.

Guest speaker: Richard Wallis, experienced composter and composting consultant.

Date: 28^th August 

Time: 10:30 to 12:30

 Venue: Faggs Road allotments, Feltham - www.hcfa.org.uk/faggs-road-site

 Cost:£3 entrance fee

 We look forward to seeing you there.

 For further information contact Alex Morrell – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.hcfa.org.uk