Work with a Local Food Hero
Work with a Local Food Hero

Build a Thermal Compost

Create Garden Gold From Scratch

Build a Thermal Compost Workshop

Create Garden Gold From Scratch

Master the Art of Hot Composting in One Hands-On Session

  • Duration: 3 hours

Workshop Description

Transform ordinary yard waste into nutrient-rich garden gold in this hands-on workshop where you’ll build a thermal compost pile from scratch. Feel the heat generate before your eyes as you learn the perfect recipe for fast, effective decomposition.

This isn’t theoretical composting—you’ll get your hands dirty working with active compost while learning professional techniques that can be immediately applied at home.

What You'll Learn:

  • The perfect "recipe" for hot compost that breaks down in weeks, not months
  • How to properly layer materials for optimal microbial activity
  • Simple tests to determine when your compost is ready to use
  • Troubleshooting common compost problems
  • How to integrate composting into your overall garden system
  • Ways to source free compost materials from your community

What to Expect:

This is a physical, hands-on workshop where you’ll actively participate in building a large compost pile. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring gloves if you have them (we’ll have extras available). We’ll be working outdoors, so dress for the weather.

"The Thermal Compost workshop was a game-changer. I've made three piles since the class and my plants have never looked better. Plus, knowing I'm supporting veteran farmers makes it even more worthwhile."
James T.
Warren County

The Veterans Connection

Your participation in this workshop directly supports our mission of training veterans to become Local Food Heroes in their communities. Veterans in our program will be learning alongside you, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge and experiences are shared.

Through this workshop, you’re not just improving your garden—you’re helping veterans discover new skills and purpose through sustainable agriculture.

Workshop Details:

  • Date: [insert date]
  • Time: [insert time]
  • Location: [Insert location details]

What to Bring:

Work gloves (if you have them), weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty, close-toed shoes, water bottle

Cost:

This workshop is offered free of charge as part of our non-profit mission. Free-will donations to support our veteran training programs are welcome.

Questions?

Schedule a Call
  • Download Program Brochure

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number CNE25-001.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.