Culver City Observer -

To kick off International Compost Awareness Week May 7-13 Culver City Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Division (EPO) and American Organics (AO) is holding a free compost giveaway event in the parking lot adjacent to the Bone Yard dog park. Compost is used to improve or maintain high quality soil, to grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment. Where: Bill Botts Park 9800 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, Ropes Course PARKING LOTWhen: The event is on Saturday May 6 from 8 am until noon or until gone.Access to the area is at the Jefferson Blvd and Duquesne Street intersection. Drive up the hill entrance before the dog park to the parking lot on the left. What should I bring? This is a self-haul event so bring a shovel - residents are responsible for shoveling and bagging their own compost in garbage bags, yard waste bags, reusable containers, pick-up bed or trailer.How do I use this compost in my garden? Compost is ready to go, but recommended to be mixed together with topsoil or another gardening fill. For best growing results a 60/40 split (60% topsoil and 40% compost) is recommended. Where does this free compost come from? American Organics, where every day is Earth Day! AO is part of the recycling loop by receiving local Culver City organic material and creating beneficial soil amendments to help grow healthy foods. The compost material is OMRI Listed® (Organic Materials Review Institute) and licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA); it is approved to be used in agricultural operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program.For more information please call Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Customer Service at (310) 253-6400.