Local residents gathered on May 11 for a hands-on composting workshop hosted by the Community Teaching Garden, a monthly educational series focused on teaching sustainable gardening practices to residents of the Tri-Community.
Held behind the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (PPHCSD) office, the free class drew attendees of all ages interested in learning how to turn kitchen and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost to enhance their home gardens.
Michelle Hannon, a Master Gardener and the lead instructor, guided participants through the fundamentals of composting, including what materials to use, how to build a compost pile, and how to maintain it for optimal results. Compost, she explained, is a natural fertilizer made by decomposing organic matter like fruit and vegetable scraps, dry leaves, and grass clippings.
An ideal compost bin should measure about 3-by-3 feet—large enough to generate internal heat and support microbial activity. Hannon said a successful compost pile needs a balance of “green” and “brown” materials. Green materials are high in nitrogen and moisture, including fresh produce scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and green leaves. Brown materials are carbon-rich and help provide structure and aeration—examples include dried leaves, straw, sawdust, and shredded newspaper.
“Turning the pile regularly helps it ‘breathe,’ which speeds up decomposition and prevents unpleasant smells,” Hannon said. “And if it starts to smell or dry out, there are easy fixes—add water or more green material if it’s dry, or throw in more brown material if it smells bad.”
In addition to reducing household waste, composting offers a cost-effective way to improve soil health and plant vitality. Many gardening products, including bagged soil and synthetic fertilizers, can be costly. Creating compost at home offers a free and eco-friendly alternative.
“People are often surprised by how easy it is,” Hannon added. “You don’t need a fancy bin or special tools. Just start with what you have.”
The Community Teaching Garden was established to support place-based learning in a garden and orchard setting. It offers monthly workshops on topics ranging from soil building and planting techniques to pest control and seasonal harvesting. The program is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced gardeners.
Looking ahead, the June session will shift focus to protecting summer crops from pests. Topics will include identifying beneficial insects, using organic sprays, building protective cages for vegetables, and applying sheet mulch to control weeds and retain moisture.
Classes are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. behind the PPHCSD building at 4176 Warbler Road in Phelan. Residents are encouraged to bring their gardening questions and a willingness to get their hands dirty.
For more information or to get involved, visit the PPHCSD website or attend an upcoming class.
