Learn to Compost and Grow an Edible Garden with Fort Bend Master Gardeners’ Free June 14 Workshop
On Saturday, June 14, the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host a free hands-on composting class from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center (1330 Band Road, Rosenberg). The session is part of the ongoing Grow Your Own series by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, aimed at helping residents build productive edible gardens in their own backyards.
With rising interest in sustainable living, organic gardening, and reducing household waste, composting has become a practical skill for many local gardeners. But for newcomers, it can feel intimidating. This upcoming class seeks to change that.
“Making your own compost can be a fun and rewarding activity,” organizers emphasize. “There are many advantages, including a healthier garden and less yard waste going to a landfill.” Registered attendees will also receive a link to the class recording, making it easier for residents to revisit techniques at their own pace.
Why Composting Matters for Fort Bend Gardeners
According to Texas A&M horticulturists Joseph Masabni and Patrick Lillard, composting can reduce up to 30% of household waste while enriching your soil with essential nutrients. Compost improves soil texture, enhances water retention, and helps plants resist disease and pests.
At its core, composting is simply controlled decomposition—using kitchen scraps, grass clippings, dry leaves, and other organic matter to create nutrient-rich humus. When done correctly, composting not only reduces landfill waste but also revitalizes the soil structure and feeds beneficial microbes.
In Fort Bend County’s Demonstration Compost Garden, Master Gardeners have refined their process. “Each bin is filled with a mix of 30% green materials and 70% dry materials,” explained Garreta Kipp in a feature article. “With a little practice your efforts will yield virtual gold for your garden!”
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What to Expect in the June 14 Composting Class
This workshop is the sixth installment in the seven-part Grow Your Own program, which began in January 2025 and covers all aspects of edible garden planning—from raised bed construction to pest management and seasonal planting.
- Participants in the composting class will learn:
- What materials are safe to compost (and what to avoid)
- How to build and layer a compost pile effectively
- How to troubleshoot common composting issues like odor or slow decomposition
- How to maintain ideal moisture, temperature, and air levels for microbial activity
For those who can’t attend in person, registration still offers access to a video recording of the class.
How to Register
Residents must register in advance at fortbend.agrilife.org/event/grow-your-own-3. For additional questions, contact Brandy Rader at 281-342-3034 or email brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu.
Interested participants can also explore upcoming classes like “Cool Season Vegetables & Herbs” on August 9, which will dive into fall garden prep and herb growing tips for Fort Bend’s climate.
A Community Commitment to Sustainable Gardening
The Grow Your Own series and Fort Bend’s Demonstration Compost Garden highlight the county’s commitment to sustainability and self-reliance. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, learning how to compost is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support both your garden and the environment.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
