Session gives the dirt on garden care

In association with ECU Bunbury, the Leschenault Catchment Council invited students and staff to a free information session on composting at the ECU Bunbury Community Garden last Tuesday.

Leschenault Catchment Council project officer Johnny Prefumo talked students through the hands-on information session demonstrating how to create compost while informing them of its benefits.

Having worked with compost for more than 20 years, Mr Prefumo said dabbling with the organic material could have benefits beyond simple garden sustenance.

“There have been major things in my life that I have had to deal with and what I have learnt is the importance of nature,” Mr Prefumo said.

“If you are having a bad day you can immerse yourself into your garden and get connected to the earth, you will feel instantly better.”

At the session Mr Prefumo also discussed the importance of compost for the environment.

“Not only are you reducing landfill but you know what you are producing for your own self.

“You avoid throwing too much out and are turning the liability into an asset.”

He said when setting up a compost bin you are essentially building a recipe for microbes to work their magic.

“When you encourage microbial activity and put the final product into your veggie garden you create a healthier plant and when you create a healthier plant you eat from a healthier plant and in turn reap the benefits of it.”