Soil Science for Gardeners

Soil is a living matrix of chemical and biological interactions, and a fundamental understanding of soil science is critical when selecting well-adapted native plants or choosing amendments for native plant communities. This year, we’re offering a blended hybrid course with three virtual classes covering the physical, chemical and biological properties of healthy soil, followed by an in-person session at the Gardens. The physical properties section explores the soil types and conditions you’re working with, focusing on the texture, structure, and tilth. We’ll take a close look at what makes up a chemical soil test and what these tests tell us about soil and compost. Finally, we will explore the living, biological properties of soil and how they promote soil health. These virtual classes are followed by a full-day in-person class, during which students will explore soil in the field with hands-on tools and microscopes to observe microbial life. This hybrid course is for ecologically minded growers interested in diving into all aspects of healthy soil and discovering how these dynamic relationships affect plant health.