Workshop

The Rhizophyllia Microscopy Workshop

FULL DAY

These workshops are designed for the grower of any scale thinking of purchasing a microscope to be able to undertake their own microbial investigations. Intended to be a more bespoke offering this workshop will cover all essential parts of the Soil Food Web.

This is a full day workshop.

An outline of your workshop:

9:15am

Welcome and orientation over coffee/tea.

9:30am

Soil food web microorganisms – why do we need to know?

An introduction to the roles of soil food web microorganisms – discussion with powerpoint

the microbial evolution (invention!) of plants
a summary of vital microbial contributions to plant growth and health.

10:00am

Recognising soil food web functional groups.

A comprehensive session of ppt slides and videos in the studio to explain what you will be looking for.

bacteria
fungi
protozoans
nematodes
microarthropods
diatoms
other signs and debris

11:00AM

Taking representative samples.

A chance to stretch your legs in the garden and Compost Station (take a cuppa with you) and exercise your judgement on obtaining quality samples for analysis.

11:45AM

Setting up for a closer look.

An introduction to brightfield biological microscopy – equipment required and how to use it including Kohler illumination and ‘shadowing’.
preparation of samples
studying a variety of soil and compost samples under the microscopes.

12:45PM

Lunch.

entirely plant based working lunch and prepared either by Foodie Festival’s Chris Bailey (The Vicar of Hell’s Kitchen), or The Courtney Smith Kitchen – stupendously, ridiculously delicious and filling.

1:45PM

A closer look continued.

Including extracts, infusions, and novel samples.

3:00PM

The Numbers Game.

Making a reliable estimate of the microbial numbers and diversity of your preferred samples (observational and empirical assessments) and touching on…

Readings and fields of view
Dilutions
The count
Results

5:00pm

Final thoughts and questions

Don’t forget, we’ll be at the end of a Zoom call or phone if you need us in the weeks and months that follow to help with confirming identifications until you don’t need us anymore ☹!

Book on to this full day workshop today and we’ll arrange the date together after booking.
9:15am-5:15pm including lunch
£300pp

For any clarification ahead of booking just email [email protected] or simply phone me on 07376 238608 and I’ll be pleased to help.

What people are saying about my workshops

Eddie is a passionate and extremely knowledgeable teacher who will guide you through the wonders of soil life in this information packed day. I left feeling truly inspired and would highly recommend attending this course if you wish to gain more of an insight into this fascinating and vitally important subject.

Kate Forrester, market gardener and co-founder of Long Lane Farm – Ringwood No Dig Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); one of the chefs at Charles Dowding’s courses at 'No Dig HQ’ Homeacres.

Eddie’s enthusiasm is infectious as he shares his wealth of knowledge of the wonderful web of life under our feet. He brings the soil food web alive in your imagination ready to put new found information into practice. RhizoPhyllia provides an opportunity to explore and understand the importance of healthy soil and how to achieve it. Plenty of practical involvement and a chance to delve into unseen aspects of your own soil – the end product being healthy nutritious homegrown food. Fantastic hospitality and delicious homemade food.

Mary Hugill, organic allotmenteer, East Devon

Eddie is a rare and inspirational person who will open up the incredible life of the soil to you. The day is fun, hands on and full of science. You will end the day knowing that the future of our soil is our future.

Cassie Liversidge, gardener, artist and author, creator of The Edible Schoolyard Project (cassieliversidge.com)