Hanover Master Gardeners will offer ‘Wormathon’ workshops April 9-14 at the Hanover branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library.

Wormathon focuses on the practice of vermicomposting or composting with worms. Red wiggler worms raised in a closed bin and fed on vegetable and fruit scraps will produce nutrient-rich castings, which is a compost that can be used for house and garden plants.

The make-and-take workshops provide materials and instruction free of charge. The workshops will be held on the following schedule at the branches:

• Monday, April 9, 1-3 p.m., Rockville Cochrane
• Tuesday, April 10, 1-3 p.m., Ashland
• Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Hanover
• Thursday, April 12, 4-6 p.m., Atlee
• Saturday, April 14, 2-4 p.m., Mechanicsville

Workshops will be held every half-hour on the scheduled dates. Reservations are required.

Hanover County does not pick up leaves, but County residents have several ways to dispose of them.

The County accepts loose leaves, grass and yard waste (limbs up to four inches in diameter and less than six feet in length) at its Mechanicsville Solid Waste Convenience Center and the Rt. 301 Landfill Yard Waste Area. The Elmont and Courthouse Solid Waste Convenience Centers accept loose leaves and grass but not brush. There is no charge for this service.

Leaves and grass may be bagged for transport but citizens are asked to un-bag them at the centers to allow for composting.

Hours at the convenience centers are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Leaves/grass can be left at the Rt. 301 Landfill Yard Waste Area from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Topics are soil preparation, turf selection, fertilization schedule, cultural practices and pest management strategies.  All classes are free and open to the public.

For more information and to register, call the Hanover County Extension Office - 752-4310 or email:  pbland52@vtg.edu.