Come learn about “black gold” (AKA compost) at this Garden Basics class on Thursday April 19, at 6:30 PM at the Mahaska County Extension and Outreach Office; 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa. Compost is decomposed plant material with some soil. It is a fertilizer form and increases organic matter. Adding compost to the soil in vegetable and flower beds benefits the plants growing in them.

Garden Basics classes are local Master Gardeners presenting live classes on a variety of gardening topics. Each one is an independent topic presented as a family friendly presentation. They are FREE, open to the public and for anyone wishing to learn about the topic. There is no pre-registration.

For more information about this or other horticulture programs, calling the MCEO at 641-673-5841 or emailing Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulturist at striegel@iastate.edu.