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Washington State University

Composting Workshops

Program Contact: WSU Master Gardener Question/Answer Clinic
(360) 867-2163 • master@co.thurston.wa.us

2024 Composting Workshops

Workshops are free and open to the public.  No advance registration is required for in-person workshops.  Links to register for virtual workshops on Zoom are provided below.

Click here to view past workshops: Virtual Workshop Recordings


Tuesday March 12, 2024

noon – 1 p.m.

Introduction to Home Composting – Zoom

Click on link to open registration page for workshop: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6rb4oOiSR4SXdn2yplDogQ

Webinar will cover what kind of materials you need to make compost, what shouldn’t go in your compost pile, and what to expect from your compost pile.

This is a great workshop if you are new to composting or need a refresher on the basics. Bring your questions.

This workshop is free and open to the public. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


Tuesday April 9, 2024

11 a.m. – noon

Worm Composting

Dirt Works Demonstration Garden

Learn the basics of worm composting at this workshop, including how worms make vermicompost, what worms need, how to feed them, and how to use the finished vermicompost.
The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for this workshop.

Saturday May 4, 2024

10 – 11 a.m., Food and Yard Waste Composting

11 a.m. – noon, Worm Composting

Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden

To celebrate International Compost Awareness Week (May 5-11, 2024), the Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County is hosting 2 in-person workshops on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden.

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a workshop on yard waste composting and from 11 a.m. to noon will be a workshop on worm composting. Come for one or both workshops.

The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

Workshops are free and open to the public.  No advance registration is required for in-person workshops.


Thursday May 16, 2024

Food and Yard Waste Composting

1 – 2 p.m.

Tumwater Library

Join the Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County at the Tumwater Timberland Library for a presentation on food and yard waste composting. Bring your questions.

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Food and Yard Waste Composting

11 a.m. – noon

Dirt Works Demonstration Garden

Learn the basics of food and yard waste composting at this workshop, including what should and shouldn’t go into your compost bin or pile, tips on managing your compost and how to know when it is finished.
Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for this workshop.

Sunday July 14, 2024

Food and Yard Waste Composting

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden

Learn the basics of food and yard waste composting at this workshop, including what should and shouldn’t go into your compost bin or pile, tips on managing your compost and how to know when it is finished.
Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for this workshop.

The demonstration garden is outside so dress for the weather.

Seating is limited and filled first come, first served. If you plan on arriving late you are welcome to bring your own chair.


Saturday August 17, 2024

10 – 11 a.m., Food and Yard Waste Composting (fall focus)

11 a.m. – noon, Worm Composting (fall focus)

Dirt Works Demonstration Garden

The Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County is hosting 2 in-person workshops on Saturday August 17, 2024 at the Dirt Works Demonstration Garden.
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a workshop on yard waste composting and from 11 a.m. to noon will be a workshop on worm composting. Come for one or both workshops.
The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
Workshops are free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for in-person workshops.

Saturday September 7, 2024

Food and Yard Waste Composting

11 a.m. – noon

Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden

Learn the basics of food and yard waste composting at this workshop, including what should and shouldn’t go into your compost bin or pile, tips on managing your compost and how to know when it is finished.
Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for this workshop.

The demonstration garden is outside so dress for the weather. Seating is limited and filled first come, first served. If you plan on arriving late you are welcome to bring your own chair.


Wednesday October 2, 2024

noon – 1 p.m.

Introduction to Home Composting – Zoom

Click on link to open registration page for workshop: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RYAdIxftStKcuk9jciEXaQ

Webinar will cover what kind of materials you need to make compost, what shouldn’t go in your compost pile, and what to expect from your compost pile.

This is a great workshop if you are new to composting or need a refresher on the basics. Bring your questions.

This workshop is free and open to the public. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons will disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Cori Carlton at 3054 Carpenter Rd. SE, Olympia WA 98503, 360-867-2162, at least two weeks prior to the event.