Free Johnson-Su Composting Workshop

99 Inn Road,Shelburne VT 05482

03 May, 2022

Description

Join us for a Free Johnson-Su Composting Workshop at Shelburne Farms! Jim Stiles has been experimenting with producing Johnson-Su compost at his home in St. Albans for about 6 years. Like most experimenters in cold climates, his previous efforts ran afoul of our cold climate, causing his reactors to freeze, which has proven to be highly problematic. A year ago last May he created his first micro-reactor (in a sleeved 5-gallon bucket) with the intention of avoiding the freezing problem by moving the reactor into his basement during the cold months. After a good summer, he created 6 more, slightly larger reactors (in 20-gallon fabric pots) using a favored Johnson-Su feedstock, shredded fall leaves. In early November, these were all moved into his basement, and will probably be moved outside again in April. Superficial examination suggests that results with the fabric pots are quite good, but progress with the original 5-gallon reactor is difficult to assess via superficial examination. The workshop will involve emptying and examining the contents of the original reactor and one of the 6 newer reactors for a more thorough assessment. Participants who come to the site will be encouraged to conduct their own examinations and offer observations. This will be an interactive workshop - so be sure to come with your questions! ~~ This event is part of the 2022 Vermont Organics Recycling Summit (VORS), organized by the Composting Association of Vermont and held in conjunction with International Compost Awareness Week. This year, VORS is celebrating the value of compost and organics recycling, and the many ways it supports regenerative agriculture, the health of the environment, the people, and the economy. Session topics include on-farm composting, infrastructure, organics diversion, different technologies, inspiring the next generation, and more!