Participants will gain an understanding of soil health through ecological practices to build nutrient-rich, living soil as the foundation for a thriving garden. We will discuss various bed prep techniques and how they impact soil health e.g. minimal tillage using a broadfork & tilther versus deep tillage using a rototiller or long handled hoe. Participants will receive guidance on taking and analyzing laboratory soil testing as well as simple tests you can do at home to assess soil texture and composition. To complete the workshop we will discuss compost application rates, as well as concentrated organic fertilizers to make sure your beds are prepared for a productive season.
Workshop facilitated by Angela deBettencourt. Angela brings six years growing vegetables at the farm scale and another four growing at the garden scale. For the past four years, she has taught VGN’s six-month gardening course, the Thriving Gardens Course, sharing her expertise on bed prep, soil health, and seed starting with course participants.