Spring Compost Fair promises fun, education

When was the last time you had the chance to get a free home compost bin? If you’re a resident anywhere within Spokane County, it happens twice a year: your next opportunity is on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Arbor Day and Spring Compost Fair in Finch Arboretum. There is a catch, though! To get your free compost bin, you must complete activities that will take you through the basics of becoming a successful home composter. The Spokane Master Composters/Recyclers will be there to help you with the training stations, which include: 1. Spoils to Soil – You’ll watch a short video about the composting process from start to finish, including the types of materials that go into a compost bin. 2. The Science of Composting – Not just for nerds! The mysteries of carbon-to-nitrogen ratios are revealed. 3. Types of Compost Bins – What works best for you? Learn about the different bins available, from store-bought to build-it-yourself. 4. Benefits of Compost – The Spokane area has several different types of soil; this station will show you how using compost enhances whatever soil is in your garden. You can learn to make compost tea that will give your plants a great nutritional boost. 5. Worm Bins – Composting with worms, also known as vermicomposting, isn’t stinky or messy when it’s done right. See a healthy worm compost system in action. And, if you want, you’ll get to handle the worms! 6. Active Compost Pile – The Master Composters/Recyclers will build new compost piles a few days before the Compost Fair. By the day of the Fair, the piles should be “hot and steaming,” a demonstration of how quickly a compost bin can begin to work its magic. So why is home composting a good thing? Here are just a few great reasons: • It’s an economical and convenient alternative to paying for curbside pickup of your garden and lawn debris, or for dropping it off at a transfer station. • You’ll produce your own rich soil amendment that provides essential nutrients to your yard and garden plantings. • Using compost in your garden can result in healthier plants that require fewer commercial fertilizers and pesticides. Mark it on your calendar now: Come celebrate spring, learn how to compost your garden and yard debris, and get your free compost bin at the 2012 Arbor Day and Spring Compost Fair on Saturday, April 28 at the John A. Finch Arboretum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Arboretum is located at the intersection of Sunset Highway and “F” Street in Spokane. As a resident of Spokane County, you’ll get your free compost bin after completing the various activities. There is a limit of one bin per household. Please arrive by 1:30 p.m. to complete all of the activities by the 2 p.m. closing time. Even if you don’t live within Spokane County, you’re still welcome to go through the training, but the free composts bins will be given only to Spokane County residents with proof of residency. The Fair is free and open to the public.