OSKALOOSA — Learn to unleash the magic of vermicomposting and join Mahaska County Extension on Tuesday February 11 at 7:00 PM for a workshop led by Shannon Rabotski, ISU Extension and Outreach-Mahaska County Youth Coordinator (CYC). The workshop is open to the public and is for 4-Hers, 4-H aged youth and adults. It will be held at the Mahaska County Extension office auditorium (212 North I Street, Oskaloosa).
Vermicomposting is a technique which turns food scraps into gold for your garden! Learn to harness red wiggler worms, nature’s tiny workers, as you create and learn to maintain your very own worm bin.
This hands-on workshop. Participants are asked to bring a plastic bin with lid which fits tightly (it does not need to be new – just clean. Any size bin will work. However, the best bin size is 2’x3’ one foot deep. The bin should be opaque – NOT CLEAR. Holes will be drilled in the bin bottom and lid at the workshop by Mahaska County Master Gardeners.
Participants will add shredded paper and coir as bedding to the bin. Participants will pay for the amount of worms and coconut coir they use for their bin. The worms and coir will be divided into lots of approximately 100 worms for $5. Please register in 4-H online if a youth or by calling 641-673-5841 if an adult to reserve worms and coir by Monday Feb 3.
Non worm bin creating participants are encouraged. Please indicate you wish to observe when you register. Red Wiggler worms can not survive Iowa’s winter weather. Participants are recommended to take the worm bin directly home to a space heated to 55-77 degrees at the end of the workshop.
To learn more about what 4-H Has to Offer in Mahaska county visit https://www.extension.iastate. edu/mahaska/4h or stop by the Mahaska County Extension office for more details on programs and clubs including membership and volunteer opportunities.