The Communal Garden: Compost

Classes in The Communal Garden series teach gardeners skills that can be used in community gardens or to support their community through gardening. They are low-cost in an effort to advance gardening skills in our communities. The series is a part of the Conservatory’s Growing to Green program, which supports and develops community gardens across Central Ohio. The Communal Garden classes are made possible by support from a grateful gardener.

Turn your garden waste into a high-performance soil amendment! In this class, we’ll break down the science and mechanics of effective composting, focusing on how to balance carbon and nitrogen to speed up decomposition. You’ll learn how to manage different systems, from simple backyard bins to high-heat piles, and how to troubleshoot common issues like pests or moisture imbalances. We will also dive into the practical application of finished compost to boost soil structure and plant health. The session concludes with a tour of our own on-site compost system, where you can see these techniques in action and get a direct look at a working large-scale setup.