Soil Science for Gardeners

Friday, April 4 & Saturday, April 12
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Soil is a living matrix of chemical and biological interactions, and a fundamental understanding of soil science is critical when selecting well-adapted native plants or choosing amendments needed by native plant communities. This two-day hybrid class for the ecologically-minded grower will discuss soil texture, chemistry, water-holding capacity, the biologically diverse life in the soil, and how these dynamic relationships can affect a plant’s health.   

Day one’s online lecture will set the stage for day two’s field-study evaluation and soil samples examination, including under the microscope.

Class Level: Intermediate

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Suggested Reference: Soil Science for Gardeners, Robert Pavlis

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Instructor Bio:

Monique Bosch studied the Soil Food Web under Dr. Elaine Ingham and teaches soils classes for CT Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and started a Food and Resilience Center at Bard College in the Berkshires. Monique manages school and community gardens and farms around the northeast, including a 2-acre urban farm in Bridgeport, CT. Areas of specialty are microscopy of living soils, test trials, and compost production.