Soil: from the Ground Up Class

Soil: From the Ground Up is the first in a hands-on series dedicated to the art of no-till gardening. In this class, participants will learn how to prepare a garden site by layering organic matter to build healthy soil. We’ll explore alternative methods that can be applied at home and discuss the principles of no-till gardening—what it is, why it matters, and how it benefits both the gardener and the environment.

No-till gardening is a method of growing crops without disturbing the soil, instead relying on mulch and organic matter to create a thriving ecosystem. This approach works in urban settings, raised beds, and garden plots of all sizes—from a small 2×4 bed to expansive fields.

This class is an interactive, hands-on experience, so be prepared to get your hands (and more) dirty! Participants should dress accordingly or bring a change of clothes and shoes.

📅 Class Details:

🕧 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
💲45

About the Instructors

Donna and Lenard Putney bring a lifetime of experience in agriculture and horticulture. On their permaculture homestead, they have transformed ten acres of pasture, eroded land, and bare subsoil into a thriving landscape filled with wild meadows, lush wooded trails, and vibrant flower beds—boasting up to 12 inches of rich, black soil. Their food forest is abundant with fruit, perennials, and the sounds of nature, from bird songs to frog concerts.

The Putneys also offer foraging events and teach plant medicine both at home and on the road, sharing their deep knowledge of sustainable living and regenerative agriculture.