Since Fall is the perfect time to focus on education and acquiring new skills, the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) is offering a full slate of adult education classes held at a variety of locations in Allegheny County throughout the months ahead.

Not sure what to do with leftover kitchen scraps and yard debris? Learn how to turn organic waste into a natural, homemade compost for lawns and gardens by attending a PRC Backyard Composting Workshop in September or Vermicomposting Workshop in October.

Composting kitchen waste and yard debris is easy to do and requires little time and effort – and produces a complete and natural food for the soil, improving its structure, water-retaining abilities and overall health.

To register for a PRC workshop, visit http://www.prc.org/programs or call 412-488-7490 x226.

Backyard Composting Workshops will take place on:

Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., North Park Rose Barn;

Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., Ann Jones Gerace Center, South Side;

Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., South Park Buffalo Inn; and,

Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10:30 a.m. – noon, Lauri Ann West Community Center, O’Hara Twp.

Learn to turn kitchen scraps – as well as leaves, garden and yard debris – into a natural homemade compost for lawns and gardens. Participants will receive a composting bin at class.

This workshop thoroughly covers the importance and benefits of composting, including the overall process, methods for setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways to use finished compost. Participants receive a FreeGarden Earth Compost Bin, which features an 82-gallon capacity ideal for both urban and suburban settings.

Cost is $70 per person, or $75 per couple, and includes a composting bin. Pre-registration is required.

Vermicomposting Workshops will take place on:

Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., North Park Rose Barn;

Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., South Park Buffalo Inn;

Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10:30 a.m. - noon, Lauri Ann West Community Center, O’Hara Twp.;

Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Ross Township Community Center; and,

Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., Ann Jones Gerace Center, South Side.

Worms produce a product (castings) that is considered an especially good soil amendment and nutrient source. If sheltered from the cold, the system can maintain production year round. Participants will receive a complete, ready-to-use vermiculture system. Learn how to house, feed, harvest and care for your own worms.

Cost is $70 per person, or $75 per couple, and includes one compost box with worms. Pre-registration is required.