Alpharettans Can Make Their Own 'Black Gold'

A free workshop on composting will help budding gardeners learn how to create mulch and rich organic matter for gardens that help to protect the quality of water in streams and lakes.

Gardeners call it “black gold” because it is so rich in nutrients and adds fertility to the soil, according to the news release announcing the free workshop at 10:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Participants are asked to meet in the lower gym of the , 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. The event will be offered rain or shine.

The one-hour program will provide all the information needed to begin making compost at home. Jan Waters, UGA Cooperative Extension, Fulton County master gardener volunteer, will show participants how to turn kitchen scraps, grass clippings, newspapers and more into “black gold.” Another good reason to compost grass clippings and leaves is to turn these materials into usable compost and to keep them out of waterways.

Composting provides an easy, legal onsite disposal option that is beneficial to both gardens and area streams. Julie Hogg, treasurer and founder of Alpharetta Arboretum, will lead a tour of the very successful Alpharetta Community Garden Composting Operation.

This workshop is sponsored by the , Alpharetta Arboretum, Alpharetta Natural Resource Commission and the UGA Cooperative Extension, Fulton County Master Gardeners.

Register by calling 678-297-6200.