Composting expert comes to Grand Forks to share secrets
By Boundary Sentinel
A composting expert is coming to Grand Forks for an all-day workshop! Hosted by the Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agricultural Society and the Boundary Organic Producers Association, Mario Lanthier with CropHealth Advising and Research out of Kelowna B.C. will present: Soil Biology to Improve Plant Health.
Lanthier’s company offers services in plant health care and integrated pest management to farmers, greenhouse growers, nursery growers and landscape companies. He has been working in the horticulture industry since 1980 and with farm operations doing large-scale composting for over 10 years. Lanthier has kept up with the explosion of new technical information in the field of soil biology. His compost piles at home are very basic but they deliver the goods!
The proper manipulation of organic matter can make plants healthier. This intensive one day workshop will focus on the basics of composting and the preparation of high-quality compost. Participants will review the dos and don’ts of composts at home or at the farm and the steps necessary for the production of compost that can naturally fight plant diseases. Lanthier will discuss ideas and recipes that can be implemented immediately. Topics covered include: preparation and testing of compost, compost suppressive of plant diseases, and preparation of compost tea as a method to improve soil biology.
This seminar will be of interest to backyard gardeners, organic growers, landscapers and people working in horticulture. Bring your own lunch. This workshop is presented with support from the Certified Organic Association of B.C.
The workshop is Saturday, Mar. 20 from 8:30- 4:00pm at Selkirk College, Grand Forks. Please register in advance as space is limited. Cost is $40. Call to register with Patti Bevilacqua 250-442-3007.
