Soil Biology and Sheet Mulching - Virtual Demonstration and Discussion

Join Aaron Parker and Mary Wicklund for this virtual event. When we talk about soil or read about soil science, there is often a lot of focus on chemistry (i.e. the nutrients in the soil). The components of LIVING soil, the soil biology, are often overlooked - in fact, 70% of bacteria on this planet live underground!

We'll begin with a short video demonstration of sheet mulching, a permaculture technique that combines soil improvement, weed removal, and long-term mulching in one step. We'll discuss how to do it, why it works, and when to use it. This will be followed by a presentation and conversation about what composes a healthy, living soil and how to encourage and feed the bacteria and fungi that are alive in your garden. Bring your questions and experience to share!

Cost: Donations will be gratefully accepted for the Hub and the presenters!

Aaron Parker operates Edgewood Nursery in Falmouth, which specializes in unusual edible plants. He has given talks and classes throughout Maine on edible landscaping, seed saving, perennial vegetables, and low- maintenance, low-input gardening. Find him on FB (https://www.facebook.com/EdgewoodNursery/) or the Edgewood web site (https://edgewood-nursery.com/).

Mary Wicklund is a Permaculture Designer, Educator, and Garden Coach. She is a UMaine Master Gardener and UMaine Master Food Preserver. She has grown in spaces ranging from backyard and school gardens to a 50+ member CSA in South Berwick, ME, which focused on growing nutrient dense produce on no-till beds.

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The Garden School Series is a collaboration between the Resilience Hub, Rooted in Resilience, Fedco Seeds, and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. It is composed of 12 parts, covering all aspects of gardening - from site selection and garden design, to preserving your bountiful harvest. It is meant for people with all levels of experience, from brand new beginner gardeners to the grizzled folks who have had their hands in the dirt for decades. We believe that gardening is a life-long pursuit - there is always more to learn!