Getting Our Hands Dirty at Jen's Composting Workshop

My kids and I recently attended Jen's composting workshop at the community garden. We were looking forward to getting our hands dirty, spending some time outdoors, picking up a few composting tips, and taking some photos for the website.

We expected an informal session, but what we found was a workshop packed with practical knowledge. Jen clearly knows her stuff and shared her expertise in a way that was easy to understand and apply. We learned about balancing "greens" and "browns" in a compost pile, how to achieve the right moisture levels, and what materials should be avoided. She even provided a booklet to take home, which the kids have enjoyed looking through ever since.

The best part was that we didn't just talk about composting—we got to put it into practice. Together, we built a compost pile using kitchen scraps, weeds, dead leaves, and dried grass clippings. As we layered the materials, we learned how different ingredients contribute to creating healthy compost and why getting the balance right matters.

The kids were completely engaged. They took their role as compost builders very seriously, carefully helping to create the right green-to-brown ratios. They loved watering the pile and "putting it to bed" for the day, although I think their favourite part was jumping on it to help compact the layers!

Our family has always enjoyed gardening, but since moving to a new property we haven't yet established a garden of our own. It was wonderful to see the kids back in their element, surrounded by soil, plants, and the excitement of growing things. The community garden has become a valuable resource for us, providing hands-on learning opportunities that fit perfectly with the garden-to-table aspects of our homeschooling journey.

We also touched on worm farming and the important role worms play in building healthy soil. It was a great reminder that composting is about much more than reducing waste. It's about creating fertile soil, growing healthy food, developing practical skills, and connecting with others in the community.

The workshop has certainly inspired us. The kids have developed a renewed enthusiasm for gardening and are already looking forward to the Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions at the garden. They've continued adding to the compost pile we started together and are now quick to remind me about the importance of balancing greens and browns.

A big thank you to Jen for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm. Workshops like these are a wonderful example of how community gardens bring people together to learn, grow, and build a more sustainable future.