“From Dirt to Gold: The Science of Composting and Soil Health” is this year’s Summer Short Course on July 30, sponsored by Penn State Extension and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
At the seminar, which runs from from 9 a.m.-3:30 pm., six experts will discuss the latest approaches in organic soil care. Experienced gardeners know that successful gardening begins with good soil and this course will cover all aspects of a thriving garden.
“The Summer Short Course is an opportunity for the master gardeners to join forces with our amazing community partner, Phipps Conservatory,” said Chris VandenBosche, Penn State Extension’s master gardener coordinator. “We try to have speakers who can connect with many audiences, from home gardeners to professionals.”
Leading off the Summer Short Course are Lily Means and Jesse Barrett of the Rodale Institute, a center of organic farming since 1947.
Means, a researcher, farms in southeast Pennsylvania and focuses on organic vegetable production. Barrett’s background in restaurant management enhances his current career as a farm operations specialist with an eye toward regenerative organic agriculture.
The duo will lead discussions centering on the art of composting as it relates to organic plant and crop production. Barrett will discuss “the importance composting plays in building a regenerative organic system on farms and in gardens. Composting also provides a means to divert food waste from landfills, thereby playing a key role in mitigating climate change.”
Margaret Sams, a certified soil scientist, will try to magnify attendees’ understanding of the development of healthy soil structure. Healthy soil provides better aeration and water drainage, resulting in better plant production.
Rounding out the morning talks will be Dora Walmsley, Grow Pittsburgh’s director of community projects. Walmsley will discuss the Community Composter School, a program educating those involved with compost sites to become advanced compost managers and educators.
Hayly Hoch, the Allegheny County Conservation District’s natural resource outreach educator, manages the Urban Soils Program and provides technical knowledge for urban growers in the Pittsburgh region. Hoch will offer insight into urban soil contaminants and discuss heavy metals screening and research.
Elsa Sanchez, a Penn State professor of horticultural systems management, will round out the day with a discussion about maximizing the benefits of compost while avoiding pitfalls in its use through best practices.
“Compost is a great material. I use it in my garden,” she says. “However, there are some things to consider when using it to avoid plant problems and harming the environment.”
The Summer Short course will be offered at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Oakland (15213). The cost is $105 and advance registration is required at my.conservatory.org or by calling 412-441-4442, ext. 3925.
The fee includes morning coffee as well as lunch with dietary options offered. A book sale will be held during the luncheon hour. After the presentations, attendees will be free to visit the Phipps displays until closing at 5 p.m.
Michelle Keane Domeisen is a Penn State Master Gardener. This volunteer program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension and provides research-based information on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. For more information, contact the Penn State Extension of Allegheny County at alleghenymg@psu.edu or 412-482-3476.
First Published: July 5, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
