Orange you glad you used compost!

More good news about the benefits of compost are coming out of Australia.

A South Australian Research and Development Institute study has demonstrated yield increases in orange orchards of 17 to 63 per cent. Fruit measured in the trial increased in diameter by 5 mm to 7 mm on average.

Why is this so exciting? People sometimes need to be hit over the head with a tonne of evidence before they will believe the simplest fact; sometimes we are too apologetic asking people if they wouldn't mind please trying to compost and grasscycle a bit. Every bit of good news helps clear up some confusion. Read the full article by clicking on the title.

Wasp Season is here again!

Yellow jacket wasps can be problematic this time of year.

To help prevent stings remember:
• Be careful not to disturb nests
• Never strike or swing at a wasp
• If a wasp gets close to you, move away slowly
• Avoid heavy, flowery perfumes, colognes or scents
• Drink sweet drinks from containers you can see into. If something end up in your mouth, tilt your head back, open your mouth, be still, and cross your fingers
• If a wasp gets into your vehicle, stay calm and stop in a safe place with as few quick movements as possible - use your hazard lights.

If you find a nest in your compost, avoid disturbing the pile until after the night time temperature drops below -10.

If you notice a nest, like the one hiding in the foliage above, near your garbage put-out or other public area, take the time to put up a sign alerting your collector and passers-by to the hazard.

Autumn Campaign

This week we are launching the “Know Before you Throw” campaign, encouraging multi-family residents to recycle the right materials.

Radio ads will air on Sonic, the Bounce, Now and the Bear.

Also, watch for ads online, on the LRT, in bus shelters, and in the Metro newspaper.

Grads will be able to ACE THE TEST on Vovici and be entered to win a very tasty prize! If you don't get 100% you will be entered to take some follow up training instead. (kidding)

Patty's Leaving/ Welcome Laura!

Patty has left us to be with her newborn baby. I'd like to welcome Laura who will be taking her place for the next year.


Many of you have met Laura already at trade shows and in the 2011 Master Composter/Recycler class. She will be sending out the emails and be the one who schedules and communicates with you about your activities! She is a delightful addition to our team as you will find out if you aren't already acquainted with her.

Good luck to Patty, and a big welcome to Laura!

Brokeback Compost

This article on compost application on ranch land brings together some pure Alberta issues - cattle, carbon sequestration, and some mighty fine scenery.
It also demonstrates that compost land application has long term benefits.

This is the perfect time to add compost to your garden and fill up those cracks in the soil - the carbon will penetrate deeply into the clay and improve next year's tilth.

Before you core aerate your lawn, fill up those cracks by topdressing with Second Nature - it will keep the moisture in the soil and make the aerating easier (water a couple days before renting the aerator for best results). Your soil will be ready for over-seeding later this month.

The compost will also ensure a cozy rest over the coming (sorry) colder months.