Soil: from the Ground Up

Soil: from the Ground Up, is the first in a hands-on series of classes dedicated to the art of no-till gardening. In this class, students will learn to prepare a garden site by adding organic matter, and building the soil in layers. We will also cover alternative methods that you can use at home. The discussion will cover the meaning of no-till, the reasoning behind it, the advantages for you, the householder, and the various names, methods, and principles of building your own soil from the ground up.

The art of no-till gardening, is a way to grow crops without disturbing the soil underneath, with the addition of mulch and organic matter. This method of gardening can be applied to an urban setting, in raised beds, and in garden plots from a 2x4 bed to an expansive field.

This course will be a hands-on learning experience, so,expect the joy of getting your hands (and more) dirty. Participants should dress accordingly or bring a change of clothes and shoes. The class will be from 12:30-2:30 pm and is $45.

About the instructors: Having a lifetime of experience in the agricultural and horticultural field, both of the Putneys currently own and maintain a permaculture homestead. Together, Donna and Lenard Putney, with the help of nature, transitioned a ten acre plot of pasture, erosion, and bare subsoil into a lush and beautiful landscape of wild meadows of walking paths, lush wooded trails, and flower beds with up to 12 inches of black, rich soil in their permaculture food forest. Fruit of all sorts, and food plants that return for years fill their own little paradise with bird songs, chicken chatter and frog concerts.
The Putneys offer foraging events and teach plant medicine at home and away.

Host or Publisher Hagood Mill Historic Site