Weed Control & Edible Forest Gardens: Gardening Workshop on Ecological Succession
This event is being run as part of The Science of Edible Gardening Workshop Series from Leaf, Root & Fruit. Great soil is critical to successful gardening. Discover how soils are created and understand how ecosystems evolve over time. Bring along a soil sample for us to analyse together as we explore different soil types. Discuss how different soil types can impact your gardening, and how to improve your soil. Understand how nature manages soil and ecosystems, and learn to apply this knowledge to your garden to easily control weeds. Use weeds as soil indicators and avoid the need for expensive soil tests. Design a garden landscape that mimics nature and is therefore low maintenance.
Learn about the theory behind Edible Forest Gardens and understand how preparing soil for planting fruit trees is different to the preparation for veggie patch planting.
Topics:
- The Importance of Soil and soil Types
- Ecological Succession in Nature
- Using Weeds as Indicators of Soil Health
- Edible Forest Gardening
- Preparing Soil for Veggie Patches and Orchards
- Weed Control Methods
This workshop involves a combination of theory in a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities including:
- Exploring our six-acre property to identify different stages of ecological succession
- Looking at weeds and how they can be used as indicators
- Basic soil testing methods (BYO soil sample)
By the end of the class you will have a greater understanding of ecological succession. This underpinning knowledge is important for all aspects of gardening. You’ll never look at ‘weeds’ the same way again!
What to Bring:
- Enthusiasm for learning
- Your lunch
- Water bottle
- Notepad and Pen
- Closed toe, practical shoes (consider bringing gumboots)
- Appropriate Clothing as Kyneton can get very cold and wet in spring
- A soil sample from your garden (further details will be sent via email about this prior to the event)
