Growing & soil chemistry, agronomy, plant nutrition

Soil Chemistry & Plant Nutrition

Online Class Delivered Via Zoom

Live via Zoom
Over 20 people have attended this class

Description

Hear about Michael's journey with soil chemistry & growing and how the introduction to agronomy and plant nutrition has influenced his growing practices. The talk will cover information about growing healthy plants with strong immune systems as well as how to measure this. It will also discuss how to make and use amendments, including compost and why this is an integral factor in growing healthy plants, as well as highlighting some common mistakes most gardeners make when working/feeding soil.


In summary, this talk is about tips and tricks for growing healthy disease resistant plants time and time again, increasing yields, minimising inputs with inexpensive amendments, measuring plant health & why balancing soil chemistry must be at the forefront of our aspirations as sustainable gardeners. 

Michael will also provide an example of how they managed to grow full sized garlic cloves in the great inundation that was spring 2022 despite rust being present as early as August in some areas.


Presenter: Michael 

Michael is a multidisciplinary horticulturalist come organic market gardener with experience in natural areas restoration & management,  and placements in two separate botanic gardens. 

Michael currently splits his time across two roles, the first, as Farm Manager on Remi's patch - a no-till, biointensive market garden. The second as a co-owner and operator of Plenty Valley Produce - a minimal till agroecological wholesale farm, set within a share farming structure on Walwa Park farms. Here they implement a multifaceted agriculture system building soil carbon, increasing biodiversity and producing affordable, local, organically grown produce for companies such as Ceres Fair Food.

Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on all Master Classes. You can become a Friend of SGA here. 

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What you will learn

  • Tips and tricks for growing pest & disease resistant plants including the power of foliar sprays and an inexpensive way to measure if what they're doing is actually contributing to plant health and sustainability

What you will get

  • A DIY microbe recipe for dealing with sodden soils

What to bring

  • No materials required

What to wear

No Dress Code

Appropriate for

Gardeners of all ages and experience levels, individual's interested in soil health and it's role in growing strong, immune plants


Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.

Its driving purpose is to:

  • Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
  • Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
  • Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
  • Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.
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2.5 (6 reviews)
Lizrated it
30 Mar 2023
The subject matter was quite complex, but the presenter did a good of making the material accessible to the audience. Perhaps some more visual examples of results in plants responding to suggested treatments would have been helpful
Keithrated it
28 Mar 2023
The presenter was unsure on so many topics and points, that it was very disconcerting. His slides were just text and it was quite technical, totally dry and then, to cap if off, he was unsure of the accuracy of many elements. It had the potential to be an interesting topic, but it fell well short of expectations. The lack of connections to home gardeners should have been made clear to participants. I'd recommend the session to a number of people, and so glad none of them were able to attend.
Sustainable Gardening Australia 22 Nov 2023

Sorry to see that you rated the talk on Soil Chemistry with a 1 star and elaborating on the reasons for this. We have taken what you fed cack and have now developed a soil Mastercalss series that will run in February 2024, we have a range of speakers who will engage you in the practicalities of soil health. Its so so important to get soil right so its a topic that we will continue to educate our community on.  Much thanks

Lisarated it
28 Mar 2023
Rating Only
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Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

Terms & Conditions

SGA’s Booking Conditions

  • Bookings are considered final once payment is made and no refunds will be given for non-attendance.
  • If there are insufficient numbers for an event it may be cancelled or postponed by SGA. If this is the case, you will be notified and given the option of either a full refund or a transfer to a different SGA event of equivalent value.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time for registration and seating
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