Composting Mastery: The Complete System

Stop buying amendments. Start engineering biology. This comprehensive course teaches you three complete composting methods plus the science of creating targeted fungi-to-bacteria ratios for different crops.

What You'll Learn

Most composting courses teach you one method and hope it works for everything you grow. This course teaches you three proven methods and—more importantly—how to choose and customize each one based on what you're growing.

The Three Methods:

• Thermal (Hot) Composting - Finished, pathogen-free compost in 18-30 days

• Cold (Passive) Composting - Low-effort systems for continuous production

• Vermicomposting - Premium worm castings with unmatched biological diversity

Beyond Basic Composting:

• Target specific fungi-to-bacteria (F:B) ratios through material selection

• Create bacterial-dominant compost for annual vegetables (0.3:1 to 1:1 ratio)

• Produce fungal-dominant amendments for perennial crops and trees (5:1 to 100:1+ ratio)

• Understand how C:N ratios drive biological outcomes

• Test and verify your finished compost biology

• Scale any method from backyard to commercial operations

• Brew high-quality compost teas and extracts

• Troubleshoot problems across all three methods

Course Format:

• 10 comprehensive modules (12+ hours of video instruction)

• Real-world demonstrations from working operations

• Step-by-step protocols for each method

• Downloadable recipes, calculators, and tracking tools

• 150-page complete composting manual (PDF)

• 12 proven recipes for different biological targets

• 3 months of group Q&A calls with Wendy

Complete Module Breakdown

MODULE 1: Composting Fundamentals & Biology (60 minutes)

• Carbon-to-nitrogen ratios explained in depth

• The four requirements: C:N, moisture, oxygen, temperature

• Bacterial vs fungal compost—what's the actual difference

• Material science: what browns and greens really do

• Why most compost fails biologically

• Complete C:N ratio database (100+ materials)

MODULE 2: Cold Composting - Passive Method (75 minutes)

• When cold composting is the right choice

• Pile construction for passive decomposition

• Material layering techniques

• Maintaining aerobic conditions without turning

• Time requirements and realistic expectations

• Troubleshooting anaerobic pockets

• Quality assessment protocols

MODULE 3: Vermicomposting - Worm Composting (90 minutes)

• Why worm castings are biological gold

• Bin setup: indoor systems for year-round production

• Worm species selection and management

• Feeding schedules and what worms actually eat

• Moisture and temperature management

• Harvesting methods (manual to flow-through systems)

• Troubleshooting: fruit flies, odors, worm die-off

• Scaling to commercial production

• Casting tea production

MODULE 4: Thermal Composting - Hot Method (120 minutes)

• The science of thermophilic decomposition

• Achieving and maintaining 131-170°F

• The 18-day method (Berkeley method modified)

• Pile size requirements for heat generation

• Building piles for optimal performance

• Turning schedules and techniques

• Temperature monitoring and interpretation

• Pathogen and weed seed elimination

• Avoiding nitrogen loss and over-heating

MODULE 5: Material Sourcing & Cost Management (60 minutes)

• Finding free materials in your area

• Building supplier relationships

• Bulk purchasing strategies

• Storage and material management

• Contamination screening (pesticides, herbicides)

• Seasonal availability planning

• Cost tracking and reduction strategies

MODULE 6: Targeting F:B Ratios Through Compost Design (90 minutes)

• How to create bacterial-dominant compost for vegetables

• How to create fungal-dominant compost for perennials and trees

• Material selection by desired biological outcome

• Inoculation with specific organisms

• Testing your finished compost ratio

• Adjusting recipes based on results

• Case studies: successful ratio targeting

MODULE 7: Quality Control & Biological Assessment (75 minutes)

• Visual indicators of biological activity

• Smell test interpretation

• The squeeze test for moisture assessment

• Maturity vs stability (understanding the difference)

• Microscopy for compost analysis

• Creating your quality standards

• When and how to use lab testing

MODULE 8: Tea & Extract Production (90 minutes)

• Selecting the right compost for tea vs extract

• Brewing parameters for maximum biology

• Equipment options (small to commercial scale)

• Quality control before application

• Application methods and timing

• Storage and shelf life

• Troubleshooting failed brews

MODULE 9: Problem Solving & Troubleshooting (75 minutes)

• Pile won't heat up - causes and fixes

• Pile smells terrible - anaerobic rescue

• Pile is slimy/wet - moisture management

• Pile won't break down - C:N adjustments

• Pest problems across all methods

• Weed seeds surviving thermal process

• Nutrient tie-up in finished compost

• Real case studies: problem → diagnosis → solution

MODULE 10: Scaling & Commercial Production (60 minutes)

• Small-scale (backyard) optimization

• Medium-scale (market garden/small farm)

• Commercial-scale considerations

• Equipment recommendations by scale

• Labor efficiency strategies

• Regulatory and certification requirements

• Marketing and selling finished compost

• Creating value-added products (teas, extracts, bagged compost)

What's Included

The Complete Composting Manual (150-page PDF):

• All 10 modules in comprehensive written format

• Photo library of every stage and method

• Quick reference guides compiled

• Emergency troubleshooting section

• Material sourcing directory

• Regional variations guide

The Recipe Collection (12 Proven Recipes):

• Bacterial-Dominant Recipes (3) - Perfect for annual vegetables

• Fungal-Dominant Recipes (3) - Optimized for perennials and trees

• Balanced Recipes (3) - Versatile for mixed gardens

• Specialty Recipes (3) - Vermicompost optimization, bokashi integration, Johnson-Su method

• Each with step-by-step instructions and material lists

The Spreadsheet Suite:

• C:N Ratio Calculator (auto-calculating for any material combination)

• Cost Tracking Template

• Temperature Monitoring Log

• Production Schedule Planner

• Quality Assessment Score Sheet

• ROI and Pricing Calculator

• All with mobile-friendly versions

3 Months of Group Q&A Calls:

• Monthly live troubleshooting sessions

• Show your compost, get expert feedback

• Seasonal strategy discussions

• Learn from other students' questions

• All calls recorded for replay

Private Student Community:

• Share photos and get help between calls

• Regional material sourcing tips

• Success stories and inspiration

• Connect with other composters

• Ongoing support beyond the 3-month call period

Who This Course Is For

Perfect for:

• Growers who want complete composting knowledge, not just one method

• Farmers and gardeners transitioning to biological amendments

• Market growers producing their own inputs to reduce costs

• Orchardists and perennial growers needing fungal-dominant amendments

• Anyone frustrated with inconsistent composting results

• Educators teaching soil health and composting

• Homesteaders wanting food security and self-sufficiency

• Commercial operations producing compost for sale

• Cold-climate growers needing year-round production options

Not sure if this is right for you? If you only want to learn one specific method, our individual courses (Thermal Composting or Vermicomposting) might be better fits. This course is comprehensive—it's for those who want the complete system.

Why Learn All Three Methods?

Flexibility: Choose the right method for your situation, season, and materials available

Efficiency: Use thermal composting when you need fast results, cold composting for hands-off production, vermicomposting for premium biology

Customization: Create the exact biology your crops need by selecting the right method and materials

Year-Round Production: Cold winters? Use vermicomposting indoors. Summer heat? Thermal composting thrives. Always have options.

Scale Appropriately: Small spaces work great for vermicomposting. Large volumes? Thermal or cold methods excel.

Biological Control: Understanding all three methods plus F:B ratio targeting means you're engineering biology, not just decomposing waste

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Choose the right composting method for any situation, season, or scale

• Build and manage thermal compost piles that reliably reach proper temperatures

• Set up passive cold composting systems that work hands-off

• Maintain thriving vermicomposting operations for premium castings

• Manipulate material selection to target specific F:B ratios

• Create bacterial-dominant compost for heavy-feeding annuals

• Produce fungal-dominant amendments for perennials and trees

• Assess finished compost quality through multiple methods

• Troubleshoot problems across all three composting methods

• Brew biologically active teas and extracts

• Scale operations from backyard to commercial production

• Calculate true costs and ROI for compost production

• Source materials efficiently and manage costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I learn all three methods instead of just one? Different situations require different approaches. Thermal composting is fast but labor-intensive. Cold composting is hands-off but slow. Vermicomposting produces premium biology but works best at smaller scales. Knowing all three means you always have the right tool for the job.

How long does the course take to complete? The course contains 12+ hours of video content. Most students complete it within 3-4 weeks, but you have lifetime access and can work at your own pace.

Do I need special equipment? It depends on which method(s) you choose to implement. We cover equipment options from free/DIY to professional setups for each method. Most students start with basic tools and upgrade as they scale.

I've never made compost before. Is this too advanced? Not at all! We start with fundamentals and build to advanced techniques. Each module is designed for beginners through experienced composters. No prior knowledge needed.

What's the F:B ratio and why does it matter? The fungi-to-bacteria ratio determines what type of biology dominates your compost. Annual vegetables thrive in bacterial-dominant soil (low F:B ratio). Perennial crops and trees need fungal-dominant soil (high F:B ratio). Learning to target specific ratios means your compost actually matches what you're growing.

Can I do this in a cold climate like Maine? Absolutely! I operate in Maine. The course covers all three methods with climate-specific strategies. Vermicomposting works indoors year-round. Thermal composting actually performs better in cold weather. Cold composting can continue through shoulder seasons.

How is this different from free YouTube videos on composting? YouTube videos typically show one method without explaining the biology or how to customize it. This course teaches you the science behind each method, how to target specific biological outcomes, troubleshoot problems, and scale professionally. Plus you get recipes, calculators, ongoing support, and a complete reference manual.

What if I only have a small space? Perfect! Vermicomposting excels in small spaces—even apartments. The course shows you how to produce significant amounts of premium castings in minimal square footage.

What if I have acres and process tons of material? Also perfect! The scaling module covers commercial operations for all three methods. We address equipment, labor efficiency, regulatory requirements, and economics at scale.

Will this teach me to make compost tea? Yes! Module 8 is entirely dedicated to tea and extract production—equipment, brewing protocols, quality control, and application methods.

Can I sell the compost I make? Absolutely! Module 10 covers commercial production, pricing, marketing, and creating value-added products. Premium compost sells for $20-60+ per cubic yard depending on quality and market.

Do I need a microscope? Not required, but helpful for biological verification. We teach visual and non-microscope assessment methods in Module 7. If you want to add microscopy, check out our Microscopy Foundations course.

What about bokashi or Johnson-Su composting? Both are covered as specialty recipes in Module 6. We explain when to use them and how to integrate them with the three main methods.

How do I know which compost to use for what I'm growing? Module 6 covers this extensively—we provide complete crop-specific recommendations and teach you to target F:B ratios based on plant types. You'll know exactly which compost to make for every crop.

What if I have questions after the course? You get 3 months of group Q&A calls plus lifetime access to the private student community. Many students stay connected and help each other long after completing the course.

Is there a money-back guarantee? Yes. If you're not satisfied within the first 30 days, we'll refund your purchase in full, no questions asked.

Ready to Master All Three Composting Methods?

Investment: $497

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Not sure which course is right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and we'll help you decide between this comprehensive course and our individual method courses.