This is the ultimate, full day workshop for growers of any scale. This is an easy listening and learning day covering all the basics of soil and foliage microbes. This is an introduction to the Soil Food Web concepts and would be ideal for groups or as a gift!
Each workshop is limited to a minimum of 5 and maximum of 12 participants to ensure a personalised learning experience.
The workshop is largely hands-on with powerpoint used sparingly and there will be plenty of time for questions throughout the day.
With the use of slides and videos, this session describes the soil food web and the way in which soil microorganisms drive plant succession from bare earth to old growth forest. We will explore fungi:bacteria ratios, the ‘poop-loop’ and the basics of plant nutrition as provided by the microbes. Next, we will introduce the soil food web microbes!
In this practical session we will examine samples of soil or compost. We will consider geology and climatic zone, look at sample colour, structure and texture, as well as smell and any other signs of life; we will also take a measure of pH and salinity.
Moving to the allotment laboratory you will learn how to prepare a sample for biological analysis. Then we will focus in on the wonderful microbial world beneath the lens! Will the sample meet your expectations gleaned from the first session? Down at the Compost Station we will look at a range of bought composts and prepare more samples for microscopical examination to see how they compare.
In this session we will look at the above ground, foliar-related signs of a fully or poorly functioning soil food web and chat through a Broad-Spectrum analysis. We will consider how to maintain optimal conditions for your microbial helpers and what biological remedial actions you can take when conditions become challenging for them.
Entirely plant based and a chance also to wander freely through the garden and home allotment.
In this session we will consider the conditions that enable pathogenic microbes and encourages pests. We will look afresh at the role of pathogens and how they seek out the weak and vulnerable plant.
We will prepare a range of shop-bought vegetables and fruits for BRIX testing – this is a measure of the nutrient density of the food you might buy. This session will illustrate how microbes working in harmony with plants deliver the highest nutrient density and in doing so protect plants from pests and diseases.
In this session at the Compost Station, we will discuss static composting and batch composting (thermophilic and JohnsonSu) using on-site examples. We’ll look at the C:N ratios of composting materials and discuss recipes for a crop of your choosing.
In this session we will use a biologically rich compost and work together to produce a compost extract. I will explain how to recognise a suitable compost without the need for a microscope. We will then set the tea brewer running and I will explain the process for successful outcomes such as ‘Peak Protozoa’, and what to do if something goes wrong! How will you know if a brew has gone ‘wrong’ – you’ll smell it! During this last session we will consider amendments such as biochar, bonemeal, rock-dusts, and Effective Microbes.
We will finish this session with a final look under the microscope at a bio-charged compost.
For any clarification ahead of booking just email [email protected] or simply phone me on 07376 238608 and I’ll be pleased to help.
Full Day Workshop – the ultimate no dig experience!
Date to be arranged after booking
9:15am to 5:15pm including lunch
From £100pp
