The Comox Strathcona waste management (CSWM) service is hosting a free straw bale gardening workshop at the compost education centre in Campbell River on Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Straw bale gardening is an option for those who have either limited soil, limited space or who might find it difficult to bend over to do their gardening. It’s simply a different type of container gardening, however it has an added benefit – once the straw begins to decompose, the straw acts like a nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

“This workshop is an opportunity to prepare for the 2013 straw bale season,” said Elaine Jansen, CSWM compost educator in Campbell River. “We begin with preparation of the bale and introduce participants to the basics so that their ready to plant next spring.”

This is an outdoor workshop, so please dress accordingly. The Campbell River compost education centre is located at 228 South Dogwood Street (across from Strathcona Gardens recreation complex). For more information on this workshop contact Elaine Jansen at 250-287-1625.

The Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service is a function of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and is responsible for two regional waste management centres that serve the Comox Valley and Campbell River, as well as a range of transfer stations and smaller waste-handling and recycling facilities for the electoral areas of the CVRD and the Strathcona Regional District. The CSWM service manages over 100,000 tonnes of waste and recycled material and oversees a number of diversion and education programs.