I know I’ve obsessed about compost. We’re coming on the perfect time of year to turn piles, empty those piles as mulch, and start a new pile. 

If however, like me, you’ve stared at your carefully-layered and wetted heap, wondering why it doesn’t heat up to weed-killing temps like the books say, this Sunday’s event might be for you. Mariposa Gardens (www.mariposagardens.org) is holding a—

Compost Fest “Let It Rot” from 11am–3pm, Sunday, October 18.

Here’s the outline of the program:

• Quick/hot composting
• Sheet composting
• Slow/Cool composting
• Animal bedding/Offal composting
• Worm bins
• Hugelkultur experiments
• Two ways to make bio char  (that starts at 11:30)
• Fall garden prep demo
• Breaking new beds demo
• Vashon Broadfork demonstrations
• Chicken-Garden partnership
• Carbon sequestration

        …and more!

I don’t see that there’s a cost, but you can feed the donation jar if you like. The event is considered a “come and go” event: you don’t have to stay the whole four hours, but instead wander around, take in whatever you want and ask questions of the demonstrators who will be doing their “thing” throughout the day.

Cathy Fulton says “it’s great to get a chance to try the broadfork. It’s an expensive tool and pretty heavy, but it’s great to open up soil for the first time. So I appreciate the chance to try it out first.”

Mariposa Gardens is off Monument road. Here’s directions: note she wants folks to park on Monument and walk in. 

Address: 9228 SW 209th Street

From the intersection of Vashon Highway and

204th Street (the Sound Food intersection), go east

(toward the high school and pool) about 1/3 mile.

Turn right (south) on Monument Road. Go about

1/3 mile to 209th Street, which is a gravel road to

your right.

209th Street is a one lane road. To avoid a traffic

jam, please park on Monument Road and walk

about 500 feet to the site. There is accessible

parking at the site for those who need it.