Ahhh… the garden challenges of living in the high country. It’s that time of year when my mind and soul start to crave wildflowers, grass, and soil. I miss my garden!

I find myself dreaming of playing in the dirt, running my hands through rich compost, and even smelling a flower or two. Then I wake up and see the three feet of snow still piled on my raised garden bed behind my house.

It seems to be the only place where the late afternoon sun barely burns a dent into the slushy heap. I’ve even talked Mr. Steward into helping me dig and chip away at the ice beast. I secretly worry that it might be August before I see my garden again. Sound familiar?

I’ve even gone as far as repotting all of my houseplants in a mix of fresh soil and worm compost I’ve made over the winter. Since I can’t really plant outside, I’ve become this crazed mole who organizes seedlings, compost heaps, and worms on the kitchen floor.

At least I have my backyard compost bin! Thanks to a friend, I’ve learned that I can help wake up my frozen compost pile with a splash of hot water and TLC. Last week, I started watering my backyard bin with a steamy bath to thaw out frozen food waste and sawdust from this winter.

A frozen compost bin is quite OK because like a bear during the winter, it’s simply hibernating. Beneficial ice crystals form when you allow the organic materials inside your compost bin to freeze.

When spring (or a watering can full of hot water) commences thawing, the ice crystals help break down the cell wall of the organic matter. Think about how frozen strawberries feel mushy after they thaw. This process promotes rapid decomposition and the microorganisms in your compost pile get a jump-start for summer.

Gathering food waste in my kitchen crock by my sink and tending to my compost bin keeps me sane during the mud season. As most of you garden enthusiasts have already realized, the Rocky Mountain soils seem to lack the range of nutrients needed for a healthy garden.

That’s why recycling kitchen food scraps, paper towels, and plant waste (to name a few) into yummy garden soil is so rewarding. My garden vegetables and flowers absolutely love me for my compost.

They thank me every summer by producing splendid potatoes, turnips, herbs and lettuce. I’ve even taken sprouts from my worm bin and grown six-foot-tall tomato plants near a sunny window in my house.

High altitude composting and gardening is a challenge to say the least. I receive countless inquiries about producing finished compost in this mountain environment.

Many simply give up on composting because they expect it to take a couple of months like it would in most other places in this country. I strongly believe in high altitude composting. It works! I’ve been composting for years.

I know several compost gurus who live in Frisco, Wildernest, and even Leadville! Believe it or not, compost does happen in the high elevation zone between 8,000 feet above sea level and the Alpine tundra where even trees don’t grow.

Keep in mind when composting at high altitude adequate water and mixing are extremely important. Your compost pile constantly battles excessive dryness and winds. The special microorganisms involved in decomposition and ultimately responsible for the final product thrive in moisture and oxygen.

Because of the thinness to our high altitude atmosphere, water evaporates faster from the ground and compost heaps. You must turn your compost pile a couple of times a week to mix moist and dry material and to allow air to flow. You also need to water your compost bin like you water your garden. Proper water, air and a little bit of patience is the start to a great compost recipe.

Now if you are feeling spring fever and would like to start composting, now is the time! In fact, this Saturday, the High Country Conservation Center will show you how possible it is to compost in Summit County. Come learn the basics of backyard composting, find out which recipes work, how to select the right bin and location, and how to harvest finished compost for your garden! Compost bins and supplies will be available for purchase. Join a Master Mountain Composter for this Composting 101 workshop on Saturday, from 2-4 p.m. at the Frisco Community Center off 3rd and Granite. The workshop is $10. Call (970) 668-5703 to pre-register.

For those who would like to take composting even further, you can become a certified Master Mountain Composter (MMC). MMC classes are Thursdays, May 22 through June 26, 4-7 p.m. at the Frisco Community Center. Learn how to inspire others and grow a greener community through composting.

The MMC program will discuss compost pile building, the science of composting, vermicomposting (with worms), and more. To print an application and find a detailed list of the MMC schedule, visit www.highcountryconservation.org/mmc.htm. The six week MMC program is $35 including 20 hours of volunteer compost outreach. Class drop-ins are always welcome for $10 a class. Applications are due Friday, May 16. Happy Composting!

Eartha Steward is written by Carly Wier, Jennifer Kirkpatrick and Beth Orstad, consultants on all things eco and chic at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation in our mountain community. Eartha believes that you can walk gently on our planet, even if you’re wearing stylie shoes.

Submit questions to Eartha at eartha@highcountryconservation.org with Ask Eartha as the subject or to High Country Conservation Center, P.O. Box 4506, Frisco, CO 80443.