Dubuque Co. Extension and Ashley Neises, Garden Manager at the Dubuque Rescue Mission will be teaming up to talk about composting and soil health at our Monthly Lunch 'n Learn Garden series. Get tips on how to successfully manage a compost system, the basics of what is needed to start a bin, and how to keep soil healthy by composting.

Composting is one of the greatest ways to add organic matter to the garden. Compost helps to improve soil structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient availability, adding the necessary components for healthy, strong plants and gardens. There are many shapes, sizes, and forms of composting all of which have their own unique approaches. A healthy compost bin has the right balance of browns (carbon sources) and greens (nitrogen sources) along with moisture and oxygen to get soil microorganisms warmed up for a nice, hot composting pile. Composting is a natural process and takes time and there are many ways to ensure a speedy process.

No registration is required and walk-ins are welcome! There is no fee to attend so bring a lunch and learn about gardening!

To learn even more about composting, check out our upcoming workshop where you can gain hands-on experience with a compost system at the Dubuque Rescue Mission Gardens.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/dubuque/news/composting