Build a soil ecosystem to improve the health of your garden, your body and the world
Cost: $100
Description: Improve and restore degraded soils. If we are to understand the systems that have allowed human life to flourish, there is no more important or less understood component than the soil. In this class, you will learn how to analyze different soil conditions and build sound soil ecology to improve soil structure, root penetration, water retention, biodiversity, pest resistance, nutrient cycling and fertility. Topics covered will include:
Composting Fundamentals. Explore the spectrum of approaches to composting to fit specific site and plant needs.
Accelerated High-Nitrogen Composting. Build a compost pile designed to complete the composting process in under 1 month.
Compost Tea. Brew compost tea and learn how to apply it to supercharge beneficial microbial communities in all your growing systems.
Humanure. Observe two different composting toilet systems in action—hot and cold style composting.
Vermicompost. Create a worm composting habitat to quickly create top quality garden amendment.
Urban Waste Stream. Discuss the range of excellent free composting materials to be found in abundance in urban environments.
Location: Forested in Bowie, MD. Be sure to read how to get into the site here. Google Maps by itself will not get you here.
Qualifications: Participants should feel comfortable working outside in any weather. Some heavy lifting might be required. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sturdy footwear is required as well as appropriate outdoor clothing. Please bring a pair of work gloves if you have them.
Food: Snacks and drinks will be provided, but please bring lunch.
Registration: Pay below or email Lincoln to let us know you're coming.
Work Trade: We accept the $100 class fee, 10 hours of volunteer work, or any combination of the two. Payment is prefered to help us continue to develop the forest garden. Email Lincoln to inquire about a work trade.
Groups: Bring friends and save! Select a number below for group discount price. Email Lincoln if you'd like to bring more than 4 people.
