Every grower knows that successful cultivation is more than just planting a seed and waiting. It’s a dynamic blend of art, science, and deep connection with the living ecosystem beneath our feet. NOFA/Mass invites you to explore one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — tools for creating thriving gardens and farms: the microbial life in your soil.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Soil Food Web — the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microscopic allies that form the foundation of soil health. You'll learn how to assess and establish a healthy baseline of microbial life, and discover practices that bring soil biology into balance to support long-term organic fertility.
This workshop is for growers of any experience who wish to learn more about soil microbes.
Also: Bring Your Soil Sample for Testing!
If you plan to attend but cannot bring a sample in advance, we can guide you on how to collect it during the event.
We invite you to bring a soil sample from your garden, farm, or landscape to be tested for soil chemistry as part of our upcoming workshop series on soil health. This is your chance to get real data about your soil and learn how to interpret it alongside experienced educators and fellow growers.
Please bring your sample labeled with your name and the name of the sample
Note: If you plan to attend but cannot bring a sample in advance, we can guide you on how to collect it during the event.
Pro Tip: If you manage multiple areas (e.g., different beds or fields), feel free to bring more than one sample—just make sure each is labeled clearly. Please limit to 3 soil samples per person.
See detailed sampling instructions and relevant resource links in the event confirmation email.
Our Microbes event series is designed to engage growers with the importance of microbial life in the soil. Together, we venture to various farms to look at their growing practices and their microbial life. We learn about the different tools used to assess microbial populations and various practices to enhance its conditions. This year, we’re headed to Groundwork Lawrence to look at urban soils.
Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to improve environmental, economic, and social well-being in Lawrence, MA through community-driven initiatives. Programs include youth and adult education, employment initiatives, open space improvements, and community events. As part of their food program, GWL operates the Costello Urban Farm, 11 community gardens, and a year-round farmers’ market. These initiatives provide hands-on education in sustainable agriculture, increase access to fresh and culturally relevant food—especially for low-income residents—and promote community health. GWL integrates a Food is Medicine approach, offering cooking education and supporting SNAP, EBT, and HIP benefits to reduce diet-related health disparities and food insecurity.
Accessibility Notes:
Bathrooms onsite, access to public transportation. Seating readily available.