Thursday, September 5, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – It’s All About the Soil
With a backyard garden, you can grow sweeter and more nutritious produce than anything you can buy in the supermarket. It’s essential that you start with soil that is healthy and rich in micro-life. Learn what it takes to develop and maintain soil that produces bumper crops. In this Tower Hill Botanic Garden class on September 5 from 6 – 8 with Ben Barkan, we’ll discuss soil properties including texture, pH, plant nutrients and organic matter. Learn how to test your soil and interpret the results. We’ll also discuss how to cope with soil contamination and ensure food safety and nutrient density. The class is especially suited to those interested in growing food in an urban/suburban landscape while using sustainable and organic practices. $26 for THBG members, $31 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org
Inspired by working on more than 35 organic farms in New England, California, Oregon, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Costa Rica, Ben applies lessons learned to HomeHarvest’s unique custom garden installations. Ben earned a degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture (4.0 GPA), is permaculture-design certified, and started HomeHarvest with just a bicycle and shovel in 2008. Ben is licensed in Massachusetts as a Construction Supervisor, Home Improvement Contractor, and enjoys designing and selling beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration.
