Education Center at Berkshire Botanical Garden
This course meets for 4 weeks on Tuesdays, October 29 - November 19, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
This course will explain how plant growth is affected by soils, from drainage to pH and nutrients. Learn how to evaluate soils, improve those that are less than ideal, and amend soils for specific garden uses. Fertilizers, soil amendments, using compost, moisture management, and the pros and cons of mulching will be covered. Students taking the course for certificate credit will need to get a soil sample before class and bring the results to the first class to complete the required project, although all students are encouraged to get a soil test for the class.
Soil Sample Instructions
- Tests can take a few weeks or longer to get back, so students are encouraged to submit a soil test as early as possible but at least 3 weeks before the start of the class. Those submitting a test later can still enroll in the class but may not be able to complete the project until after the class is finished.
- CLICK HERE FOR instructions ON COLLECTING A SOIL SAMPLE
- Send in your sample with the testing form and fee. You will need the routine analysis and organic matter results. Please also include the instructor's name and email under "Send Copy to": John Howell, howell@umext.umass.edu.
- Soil Test Form
- Students may get a soil sample from another extension office or soil testing lab, but are strongly encouraged to use the UMass test for ease of learning in this class.
Instructor – John Howell, M.S. is the former Extension Vegetable Specialist for the University of Massachusetts and currently lectures on vegetables, fruits and soil management. Author of numerous newsletters for growers, he is currently the editor for New England Vegetable Management Guide, published biennially by the University of Massachusetts.
BBG Members: $180, Non-Members: $195