Sophie Thomson - Compost | Garden Gold: Ballarat Begonia Festival 2026

Sophie is a much-loved Australian gardener, horticulturalist and long-time presenter on ABC's Gardening Australia.

Composting is one of the most powerful things we can do to nurture our gardens, and I can’t wait to share just how easy and rewarding it can be! Join me as we dive into the wonderful world of turning kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, living soil that will help your plants absolutely thrive.

In this hands‑on workshop, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a confident composter. We’ll explore the many benefits of compost, compare different composting systems, and look at how to create beautiful, healthy compost at home—whether you have a big backyard or a tiny space.

We’ll cover:

• How compost works and why it’s so valuable
• Different compost setups, from open heaps to enclosed bin systems
• How to build and maintain a successful compost pile
• Vermiculture (worm farming!) and how to keep your worms happy
• Common composting challenges—and how to solve them
• Tips for dealing with trickier materials, including weeds
• How to use your finished compost to boost soil health and increase yields

This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their soil, grow healthier plants, reduce waste, and get even more joy from their garden. Whether you're brand new to composting or looking to fine‑tune your existing setup, you’ll leave with practical, achievable techniques you can start using right away.