DIY Composting

In this one day interactive workshop, you will hear from experts in 3 different types of composting: compost tumbling, vermicomposting and bokashi composting.  There are pros and cons to each system but we will help you choose a perfect solution for your food and garden waste to help close the loop to create valuable, nutrient rich compost.

You will get the opportunity to see and understand the technical and scientific processes occurring in all systems, the value and nutrient status of the end product, and its effect on soil and plants when applied. See demonstrations of the construction and maintenance of these composting kits as well as the established ones at FarmED. Discuss the variety of scales on which they can be used and the effort and inputs needed to make them a success.

• Compost tumbling is an innovative approach to speed up the traditional hot composting system, where by increasing aeration and disturbance, compost is formed more quickly and with a better bacteria and fungi ratio to normal hot composting.
• Vermicomposting utilises earthworms and their unique ability to turn organic matter into a more nutrient rich soil amendment. The end product has all 14 nutrients that a plant needs, and any impurities in the initial waste are completely removed.
• Bokashi is a Japanese fermentation process of composting where using Bokashi bran, food and garden waste can be converted to compost in 5 weeks. It is an anaerobic system, meaning no oxygen is needed, therefore reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Whether you are a garden fanatic, cook or simply keen to create a more sustainable, circular economy for your food waste at home, our Compost workshop will provide you with the complete guide to turning your food and garden waste into fabulous fertiliser for your soil.

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with the experts, gain insight, ask questions and see live demonstrations.  

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of of this event you will be able to:

1. Compare the technical and scientific processes of 3 different composting systems.
2. Set up and manage the composting system of your choice.
3. Produce and utilise your own valuable nutrient rich and active compost.

The ticket price includes refreshments and a delicious and nutritious lunch from the farm's kitchen garden.

About the Speakers:

Tim Matthews - Tim is an Organic food grower and tutor in both the commercial and community sectors. Having worked at Organiclea Community Growers for 5 years he is now developing Asthall Manor Kitchen Garden as a social enterprise, growing wildlife-friendly and people-friendly food while teaching others to do the same. Composting is pretty much his favourite subject. Instagram: @asthallmanorkitchengarden

Martyn Richards - Martyn Richards from Agriton UK has been working with Bokashi for 2 years with the direction from EMRO - Japan where the technology was developed. “My goal is to think of waste as resources. In nature there is no such thing as waste. Everything has a purpose!”. He uses certified EM from a specific recipe to ensure that you are getting a quality product. Bokashi in Japanese means ‘fermented organic matter’ and relates to a preserving system for nutrients in the soil.

Danielle Semple - Danielle is FarmED's earthworm expert, and oversees all composting systems on site. Since writing her dissertation on the importance of earthworms in our farming and food systems, Danielle has spent her time at FarmED educating people on their role in soil on farm walks and during workshops. Passionate about soil, and how to regenerate it, she enjoys learning and practising farming and growing methods that can help give a little back to nature.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events.

FarmED Bursary

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places to those that will benefit most.