A Gardener’s Guide to Soil Health

The soil is a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. The food that we grow in the garden is entirely dependent on what happens beneath the surface. Simply put, If we work to grow healthy soil, we end up with food as a byproduct.

Let’s ‘dig deep’ and get to know the ins and outs of soil, what it all means to us in the garden, and how we may work with our soils for optimal plant growth. We’ll spend time discussing the foundations of what soil is, how it is made, and what it needs to maintain healthy functions. We’ll go over some practical ways you can check for soil health in your own garden, the basics of a soil lab test, and even dig some pits to look at soil layers in different areas of the field.

Portions of our time will be held in both the classroom and the field, rain or shine - dress for the weather.

About the Instructor:

Jonathan Darby is a wild foods enthusiast and educator, avid gardener, former farmer and has served the Horn Farm Center in varying capacities for over 15 years. He currently serves as Land Manager & Educator. Jonathan received his Permaculture Design Certification in 2011 from Susquehanna Permaculture and in 2014 completed his Permaculture Teacher Training through Dynamic Ecological Design. He is married with 2 kids and 3 cats.

Program Notes:
This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time.