In mid September, the Karoo Oasis hosted the first in a series of food gardening classes, with resident gardener Marcelle Coetzee stepping up to teach an enthusiastic group of locals about the finer art of composting.
The Karoo Oasis is a new addition to the Karoo Saloon Rock Roadhouse.
It was a dirty day out, but with spring in full bloom and gardeners eager to ensure that their soil is in the best possible condition for planting season, this insightful three-hour hands-on session provided excellent advice into what is needed for optimum vegetable yields.
Several Barrydale residents were exposed to the various rich (and pungent) aromas that were always going to be part of a course that involved the mixing of no less than four types of manure.
After a explaining his methodology, Marcelle moved on to a practical demonstration.
He had prepared a compost heap a few days prior and with his method, the temperature inside the pile had already reached close to 70 degrees Celsius.
Marcelle then demonstrated what was needed to create an 18-day compost heap and also explored some methods that we can implement in our every day lives that will make great organically grown vegetables available to all and sundry.
For more information about the Karoo Oasis, or to book a food gardening class, phone 072 250 9055.
