Compost Outpost

How’d you like to keep from bagging all those leaves each fall? Then head to the Compost Outpost, where you can learn how to turn leaves, grass clippings and other yard trimmings into rich, organic mulch for your garden.

What is compost?

Compost is nothing more than plant material that has decomposed naturally. With very little attention, your yard trimmings break down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used as mulch or fertilizer on your flowerbeds and lawn. Compost can reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, save water and protect plants from extreme heat and cold.

Why compost?

Backyard composting reduces leaf bagging, saves money on paper yard bags, adds nutrients to soil, reduces the need for expensive chemical fertilizer and pesticide and increases moisture retention in soil by up to 60 percent. In short, composting saves gardeners time, money and water. Local governments and their taxpayers also benefit from composting, which reduces water pollution (less runoff from lawn chemicals) and saves landfill space and costs.

What is the Compost Outpost?

The Compost Outpost is the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s self-guided, outdoor demonstration area that shows you how easy it is to compost, right in your own backyard. The outdoor site features a dozen different types of compost bins including inexpensive, homemade designs as well as more elaborate ones that can be purchased at retail outlets.

Informational signage allows for self-guided tours by Botanic Garden visitors, garden clubs, individual homeowners, scouts and school groups. Three-sided signs throughout the site explain the benefits of composting and how compost is made and used in the garden, and are directed at three levels of interest. Tad O'Sense helps kids understand the composting process; Ima Gardener instructs average gardeners in how to compost and Professor B.A. Composter provides more technical information.

Learn from the pros

Composting 101
Spring (March-May)
Fall (September-November)
Second Saturday of the month
1 to 3 p.m. at Compost Outpost
Free to the public

Where is the Compost Outpost?

The Compost Outpost is located on the grounds of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Go through the Botanic Garden’s main “clock” entrance on University Dr., turn left and proceed about 100 yards. It’s open daily dawn to dusk, and parking is free. The site is accessible to disabled residents.

More information

The Compost Outpost is an education facility—not a place to pick up or drop off compost materials. For more information on becoming a Master Composter, visit the Botanic Garden Web site or call 817-871-7966.

The city offers free mulch year-round at the Drop-off Stations. Bring your own sturdy container and shovel. The city also offers curbside pickup of leaves, yard trimmings and brush. For details call 817-392-EASY (3279) or visit Yard Trimmings.

The Compost Outpost is a joint project of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department, Fort Worth Environmental Management Department and Texas Cooperative Extension Tarrant County.

Presentations

Sustainability Task Force Recommendations (Phase III) (Sept. 28, 2010)
Phase II Action Plan (Streaming Video, Bookmark No. 5)
Sustainable Development Action Plan (Streaming Video, Bookmark No. 6 )

Questions/Comments

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