Talks & workshops

Great soil starts with curiosity. My workshops help gardeners and growers understand what's happening beneath their feet, so composting feels less like a chore and more like a conversation with a living system.

Every session is hands-on and shaped around your group. I bring a mini-demo, tools to try, and handouts to take home.

  • This session walks through the science, the recipe and what to avoid, so you leave knowing why a pile works and how to make yours successful base on your particular goals. Designed for backyard gardeners and community garden groups alike. Includes a mini-demo and handouts.

    What we'll cover:

    • Why we compost: healthier soil, less waste, and carbon storage

    • How it works: the soil food web that’s only seen by using a microscope

    • The compost recipe: diverse materials, chopping and mixing, volume, moisture, and monitoring air, time, and temperature

    • Setups to consider: from DIY to store bought

    • Methods: hot, static, and trench composting, plus a look at worm bins

    • What to avoid, and common misconceptions

    Length and location: About 1 hour , in-person, at your location

  • A participatory build, ideally a follow-up to Workshop 1

    The best way to learn composting is to do it. In this session, we put the science to work by building a compost pile together at your garden. Each participant gets hands-on practice, and your group ends the day with a working pile and the confidence to keep it going.

    What we'll do:

    • Choose a spot and a system that fits your site

    • Gather and prep materials: greens, browns, chopping, and mixing

    • Build the pile together, layer by layer

    • Set up simple routines for moisture, temperature checks, and turning

    • Make a plan for who does what and when

    Best as a series follow-up to Workshop 1, so your group understands the "why" before we build.

    Length and location: About 1.5 hours, in-person, at your garden

  • Have a unique idea for how to get your community engaged in composting? I’m open to custom workshop designs. Let’s talk.

Other details:

  • Region: I’m based in Middle Tennessee, but am open to traveling for the right opportunity

  • Great for: Community gardens, nonprofits, schools, garden clubs, and more

  • Pricing: Inquire for details

Schedule a talk or workshop

"Jamie brought a depth of composting knowledge to our seasonal workshop series at TNFP that went well beyond the usual backyard 101. She moved fluidly between the science, what's actually happening microscopically in a compost pile, and the practical, like which tools to reach for when you're just getting started, covering ground not all educators have. What stood out most was how effortlessly she made an intimidating topic feel genuinely accessible. Her sessions were prepared down to every detail, warm in delivery, and clearly shaped around what our audiences needed rather than a one-size-fits-all slide deck. We'd recommend Jamie without hesitation to any organization looking for a composting or soil-health educator who is as engaging as she is knowledgeable!"

Anna Murabito, Community Agriculture Network Manager, The Nashville Food Project

Interested in bringing a workshop to your garden, school, or organization? I'd love to hear about your community and what you're hoping to learn.

Let’s work together

Let's talk