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Learn how to compost through Vermont Master Gardener program

Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:15 p.m. — RUTLAND — Turning food scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich organic matter provides a healthy, less expensive alternative to purchasing compost and fertilizer for your lawn or garden. It also keeps food waste out of the landfill, which beginning in 2020 will be the law.

The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener program will offer a Vermont Master Composter course this fall to teach the fundamentals of backyard composting as well as provide information on worm composting, “recipe” design, compost for disease control, site and container selection and management of the compost process, among other topics. The cost is $50, which includes online access to all class materials and the Vermont Master Composter Resource Manual.

Classes will run for four consecutive Thursdays, beginning Sept. 17, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at Vermont Interactive Technology sites. Locations include Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndonville, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Center, Rutland, St. Albans, Springfield, White River Junction and Williston.

Registrations will be accepted until Sept. 11 or sites are filled. To register, call the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Office at 802-656-9562 or sign up online at www.uvm.edu/mastergardener. To request a disability-related accommodation, please call by Aug. 20.

Early registration is recommended as space is limited. Confirmation of class site and directions will be sent upon receipt of registration and payment.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be qualified to share information on composting through talks and displays at fairs, farmers’ markets and other venues. They also may assist with UVM Extension Master Gardener projects that have a composting component.

Graduates interested in becoming a certified Vermont Master Composter must complete 20 volunteer hours within a two-year period on community or school composting projects. Once certified, individuals are expected to provide a minimum of five hours of community outreach each year.

Funding and technical support for the course are provided by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

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