newsbriefs The Benefits of Composting


Organic waste that breaks down anaerobically in land-fills produces methane, the most potent of the green-house gases. Since food waste makes up to 25% of the waste stream, and yard waste is banned from North Carolina landfills, it makes environmental and economic sense to manage organic wastes at home. Less garbage means lower disposal costs and your kitchen scraps can make great natural fertilizer.


Well-made compost has a nutrient rich balance of nitrogen, phosphorous


and potassium (N-P-K), close to a neutral pH, and a host of beneficial microor- ganisms. This means you are improving the health of the soil naturally. Synthetic fertilizers are often too high in nitrogen, are prone to washing out of the soil too quickly to be of long-term benefit to your plants, and they destroy the microorganisms that help keep your soil healthy. They also cause higher levels of nitrogen in our waterways. A healthy organic soil makes for vigorous plant growth with natural resistance to pests and disease and more nutritious vegeta- bles. Using your homemade compost will allow you to stop buying expensive synthetic fertilizers that destroy your soil and wind up in our waterways. You will also save on your water bill as adding compost protects soils from


drying out. A compost rich soil beneath a top-dressing of mulch retains mois- ture and reduces the need for both weeding and watering. FREE composting classes will be held 10:00am to 11:30am on October 7


and October 14. Contact Muriel Williman at 919-968-2788 or email muriel@orangecountync.gov.


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Tour Sustainable Farms on the Eastern Triangle Farm Tour


The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Weaver Street Market will host the 11th Annual Tour Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24, from 1-5pm each day. More than 25 scenic and sustainable


farms in Wake, Durham, Franklin and surrounding counties will open their gates and barns to kids, foodies, loca- vores, gardeners, new or aspiring farmers, locals and visitors. Plan now to enjoy a memorable weekend meeting local farmers and touring their beautiful farms. Tour tickets purchased in advance


Learn How to Make Compost


Saturday, October 7 10:00-11:30 a.m.


Compost Demonstration Site Community Center Learning


Garden (behind the rose garden) Estes Drive, Chapel Hill.


Saturday, October 14 10:00-11:30 a.m.


Compost Demonstration Site Orange County Solid Waste


1207 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill. FREE


Learn how to COMPOST indoors using worms, or outdoors using a variety of containers and recipes.


12 NA Triangle www.natriangle.com


Taught by Orange County Solid Waste Management’s


composting expert, Muriel Williman. No registration is necessary and children are welcome with an adult.


For more info: Call (919) 968-2788 or Recycling@orangecountync.gov


are $30 per car for ALL farms, ALL weekend; day of registration: $35; visit just one farm: $10. Purchase online at www.carolinafarmstewards.org/etft/ or at Weaver Street Market locations in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsbor- ough. Day-of tickets can be purchased at any farm on the tour. Complete information about the tour


and the farms, with interactive maps and driving directions, is available at www.carolinafarmstewards.org/etft. Visitors will enjoy touring a variety


of farms where local farmers grow nutrient-dense veggies and unique cut flowers, care for animals on pasture, and craft fresh ingredients including goat milk, gourmet mushrooms, micro-greens, herbs and veggies into delicious products. There’s something for everyone! Kids will love seeing baby farm animals; home growers will learn about how to increase their own at-home food production and cooks will enjoy cooking demos that will inspire your next farm fresh meal. The tour is self-guided. Visit any


farm in any order. Bring a cooler so you can take home the delicious products for sale at many of the farms. No pets allowed. Rain or shine. Proceeds support the work of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.


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