Boston Flora

Tag: Tom Akin

  • October 1 – October 31 – On Demand Webinar: Soil Tests – How to Interpret and Use Results for Better Tree Health

    Soil health can make or break the survivability of trees in your care. You have likely collected soil samples and sent them to a lab for testing. While you are able to interpret the results at a basic level, are you clear on what you can or should do with the detailed results? Join the Massachusetts Arborists Association during the month of October as we discuss the fundamentals of soil supplements, along with the proper way to collect a soil sample and interpret test results. We’ll examine the results of local soil tests and discuss appropriate action plans. Gain a better understanding of how to use soil testing to improve the wellbeing of trees. The speaker is Tom Akin, State Resource Conservationist with the USDA National Resources Conservation Services in Amherst, Massachusetts. You will receive a link to the webinar upon registration. To learn more, visit www.massarbor.org.

  • Tuesday, October 30, 6:45 pm – Soil Health: From the Bottom Up

    The Norwood Evening Garden Club will host Tom Akin, Conservation Agronomist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, tomorrow, October 30, at the Carriage House of the First Baptist Church, 71 Bond Street, Norwood.

    Mr. Akin will discuss the characteristics of healthy soil, its importance in gardening and how to improve your soil’s health. He will also cover how to interpret soil test results, how to optimize plant nutrition and plant health, organic matter in the soil and why you should sell your rototiller.  The public is invited to attend. A $5.00 donation is requested and includes refreshments. For more information call 781-769-3854.

    Tom Akin has been the Conservation Agronomist and Grazing Lands Coordinator with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Amherst, MA since 2003. He is passionate about the environment, soil health, composting and helping farmers and gardeners improve their soil’s health. Prior to working for NRCS, Tom was assistant superintendent and internship coordinator at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. He has also worked as an Extension educator with the University of Massachusetts and for the Peace Corps in the Central African Republic.