Culver City Observer -

To kick off International Compost Awareness Week, which begins May 2, Culver City Public Works is holding a free compost giveaway event in the parking lot adjacent to the Bone Yard dog park next weekend.

The giveaway will be held on Saturday May 01, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or while supplies last, at

Bill Botts Park, 9800 Jefferson Blvd. in Culver City.

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.

Compost is used to improve or maintain soil quality, grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment.

It is recommended to be mix compost together with topsoil or another gardening fill. For best growing results, a 60/40 split (60% topsoil and 40% compost) is recommended.

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.