Backyard composting is a cost-efficient way to turn food scraps, leaves and other yard waste into “black gold” to provide a free source of nutrient-rich organic matter for gardens and lawns.

The “From Scraps to Soil” composting short course, offered through the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Community Horticulture Program, teaches the basics of composting at home, school or the community. The six-week course will begin on September 5 with a new weekly unit every Friday. Course materials will be available to participants until November 13.

The non-credit, certificate course takes a hybrid approach combining online modules, Zoom sessions, weekly assignments and quizzes, in-person workshops and a customized composting project. In addition to the basic “rules” for making and using compost, the course will cover site and container selection, decomposition science, soil ecology, Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law (Vermont Act 148), how to manage and troubleshoot the compost process and community composting, among other topics.

The fee is $50 for Vermonters and $150 for out-of-state residents and covers all materials. For more information or to register, go to https://go.uvm.edu/vtcompostingcourse. Registration closes on September 4.

If requiring a disability-related accommodation to participate, please contact Deb Heleba at debra.heleba@uvm.edu or (802) 656-1777 by August 14. If questions, email the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Office at master.gardener@uvm.edu.