Get free advice to help you garden naturally and in an earth-friendly way -- learn how to make your own compost and get free compost, too.  For a start, you will want to buy your own backyard compost bin, wholesale priced at only $20 and $40 at the once-a-year Compost Bin Sale Day on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains.

The skilled horticultural staff and Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County will answer your gardening questions throughout the day, and give away free compost. In addition, they will host helpful, 10-minute "how-to" sessions on a variety of topics, including making backyard compost, using compost as mulch, maintaining a healthy lawn and garden while using non-toxic or least toxic pesticides, preparation and use of compost teas and more.  Learn more about grasscycling compost:  by composting grass, you will end up with decomposed leaves and lawn clippings, a natural additive to enhance your lawn and garden.

Two types of compost bins will be available for sale: a $20 bin suitable for gardeners looking to compost mostly grass clippings and leaves, or a $40 model that has a lid and can be anchored to the ground, ideal for gardeners who want to add organic food waste or kitchen scrap to the compost mix.

Kitchen scrap buckets, compost aerators and other supplies will be available for sale at the event as well. And, anyone who reserves a compost bin in advance of the sale day will receive a kitchen scrap bucket free.

All bins must be picked up by purchasers on the day of sale only.  The event will be held rain or shine. Saxon Woods Pool is located at 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains and can be reached via the Hutchinson River Parkway.

Home Compost Bin Sale Day is sponsored by the Westchester County departments of Environmental Facilities and Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the League of Women Voters and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County. Additional support is being provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

To reserve a bin, get a copy of the grasscycling and other brochures, call the Recycling Hotline at (914) 813-5420 or visit www.westchestergov.com/recycling.