Classes & Workshops

Our Compost Education Program offers classes and workshops for individuals throughout the year to help you succeed at composting at your home or apartment.  See the descriptions below, and visit our Events page for specific dates.

Compost with Confidence

One Saturday a month (June-Oct): 6/24, 7/29, 8/26, 9/23 & 10/21, 12:30 - 1:30pm, Ithaca Community Gardens

Description: Local composting experts provide information and give hands-on demonstrations to help you set up and manage a compost system in any setting! Each class of this FREE series covers composting basics, and a different focal topic is addressed each month (see below) to help you address any compost issue you may encounter. Stop by for one or all classes, and bring your composting questions! Cost: FREE. Registration not required, but helpful.

• June 24 - "Getting Started" - Covers how to set up and manage a compost bin
• July 29 - "Troubleshooting Your Bin" - Covers what could go wrong and how to prevent / remedy the situation
• August 26- "Is it done? & Compost Uses" - How do you know when your compost is ready to use? And if it is ready, what are some of the ways that we suggest using it
• September 23 - "Indoor Composting" - How to maintain an indoor bin using a double bin ("stealth") system
• October 21 - "Winter Composting" - How to extend the composting season well into the cold months and the preparations necessary to ensure successful composting over the winter

Location: at the compost demonstration site on the 'railroad side' of the the Ithaca Community Gardens. The Ithaca Community Gardens is on Carpenter off the 3rd St Extension (on the way to the Ithaca Farmers Market).

Advanced Compost Series

3 Thursday evenings in Sept/Oct: 9/14, 9/21 & 10/5, 6:00-7:30 pm at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca

Description: Go beyond the basics of composting and "dig deeper" into the art and science of composting. Hands-on demonstrations teach advanced techniques like compost testing, identifying soil critters and harvesting finished compost. Master Composter-level material taught without the volunteer commitment.. Fee $5 a class or $10 for the series. To register, please register online or call (607) 272-2292.

Vote for Worms Compost Class

Sat, Nov. 4, 10am-Noon at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca

Description: Learn how worms can make fast, rich compost for your garden while disposing of your food scraps. Take home the bin, a starter population of worms, and the knowledge to tend to your new pets. Register early, space is limited. $10 per household. To register, please register online or call 607-272-2292.

Other Compost Classes for Individuals

• Annual Leaf Swap and Compost Giveaway (fall)
• Master Composter volunteer training (winter/spring)
• Bokashi Indoor Composting Class (winter)
• Spring Worm Compost Class (spring)
• Compost Fair / 4H Duck Race (spring)

Last updated June 21, 2017