Workshop 7: Three Different Methods of Composting: Hot, Cold and Worm
Merle and Michele Herrick both grew up in a family that raised all their foods organically.
Merle grew up in Sonoma California, an area bountiful with fruit orchards. He was fortunate to learn along side his Grandmother as she gardened and used various composting methods, including worms. He continued to garden and compost his entire adult life. Once working on a potato and wheat farm in S.W. Minnesota, he witnessed first hand 4,000 acres of dead and contaminated soil, killed by the over use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides- void of micro organisms and earthworms that are vital for the soil’s life. Making a strong impact of Merle, he eagerly shares the importance of healthy soil life.
Michele grew up on the rugged north coast of California with her family dependent on what they grew and raised and put up in their harvest kitchen. They dried, smoked,froze and canned all their foods. Michele to was fortunate to grow and be raised with her Grandparents- having a life that was so close to our earth, in a most healthful and stewardly way. She continued with this lifestyle throughout her life, gardening and advocating the importance of chemical free nutrition for her family and others.
Fast forward to 2005 when Merle and Michele moved to the Verde Valley, bringing their knowledge and experiences with them. Using red wiggles for vermicomposting for over 30 years, they continue to share their knowledge here throughout the Verde Valley and Yavapai County. Their love and expertise of gardening and community is shown by their bountiful gardens, their many hands on workshops and lectures on the soil, composting , volunteering at the County Faire and local organizations and the many hours volunteering for the Yavapai County Master gardeners Association and in the Verde Valley schools; teaching children of different ages the world of the soil and gardening.