Meet, Greet and Learn Gatherings

Due to volunteer demand for learning and networking opportunities we are soon starting a series of “events” where you can get together as master composters, learn something new, and be energized.

I am going to list some potential topics below, but please give some feedback as to what you might like to focus on.

Topics:

• How to talk to your neighbours, family etc about composting? Tips etc.

• Suggestions on how to get rid of “stuff” from downsizing activity… Details from the organizations involved.

• Permaculture – what is it? How does it fit into our master composter activity?

• New resources needed?

EWMC Fun with Rick Mercer

CBC's Rick Mercer gets his hands dirty at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Enjoy!

Season's Greetings!

Happy Holidays from the MCRP team!

Heather's Tidbits

Simple Winter Composting
from Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine, October 2009

Every fall, line up several empty pots in a seldom used but accessible location outdoors.

Over the winter, I fill them about 3/4 full with kitchen scraps and top them up in the spring with soil skimmed from my vegetable garden. I plant then with annuals during the summer and by the following autumn, Nature has done its magic and each pot is full of soil, which I distribute where needed in my garden.

-John Nielsen of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

Food Storage Tip:

Store onions upside down to prevent spoilage. Water is concentrated in the top of the onion. When you store it with top down, the water tends to disperse and the onion keep longer.

Betty Berg, Russell, MB.

Got a tip to share?

Compost those dandelions, but use caution

By Reena Nerbas, For Canwest News ServiceSeptember 9, 2009

Q: Can dandelions be composted?-- Gertha

A: Decomposing dandelions provide mineral-rich composted matter and nitrogen to the soil. If you add fresh dandelions to the top of your compost pile, you'll notice a formation of puffy white seeds, so turn the pile regularly. This will force dandelions to the centre of the pile, where they break down in temperatures above 55 C for several days, and do not survive as seeds.

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