Composting and Worms
Heidi Bentz
James Huizenga
Class Description
Master Composters and Master Gardeners James and Heidi bring decades of hands-on experience in vermiculture (using worms to break down organic matter) and all forms of composting. They’ll teach you how you can reroute your organic waste from the landfill to the garden, using it to enrich your soil and increase your plant health. You’ll learn the basics of how to build and use a worm bin and compost system, and about the benefits to your garden and the planet. You’ll leave knowing what methods will best suit your lifestyle and your situation. Bring your curiosity and your questions, whether you are new to these techniques or seeking advice and troubleshooting of problems you’ve had. You’ll leave the class with increased confidence and knowledge to be successful in composting and vermiculture.
Heidi Bentz and James Huizenga
Heidi Bentz, a Master composter since 2006 and Master Gardener since 2016, has been installing worm bins in school and home gardens for 18 years, but grew up growing food and composting, taught by her parents, both master composters. She is also a chicken keeper, permaculture enthusiast, and birth doula. Her grandparents tended their two-acre sustenance farm in the San Fernando Valley from the 1930s - 1960s and Heidi grew up eating homegrown food from the fruit trees and vegetable gardens her mother (also a master composter) planted in her suburban childhood home. She learns best by doing and loves teaching others everything she has learned through the process of regenerating the soil on her own land in La Mesa.
James Huizenga has been a Master Composter since 2015 and a Master Gardener Since 2020. Growing up in a large family in a small Midwestern town, nothing went to waste. For 10 years, he has advised elementary school children and adults about the joy and value of "Playing with Worms". Jim also propagates seeds from the Torrey Pine he sprouted from seed over 20 years ago. He will try to propagate anything. He loves making and eating bread using anything coming from the garden. Get a handle on your worm bin with pets your neighbors won't complain about.