Soil Microbes and Minerals

What do microbes and minerals have in common? More than you might think! Beneath the surface of your garden lies an invisible world of tiny organisms and essential nutrients, all working together to create the perfect conditions for healthy, nutrient-packed food. 

In this one hour Master Class, taken by Donna Livermore, we’ll unlock the secrets of this underground network, exploring how microbes and minerals team up to support sustainable, organic gardening. From creating your own microbial inoculants at home to harnessing the power of locally sourced minerals, we’ll show you how to boost soil health, grow stronger plants, and produce food that’s truly rich in nutrients, flavour and pest and disease resistant.

This talk will cover:

• The symbiotic connection between plants and microbes, and why it’s essential for organic, sustainable food production
• The key conditions that support a thriving microbial community in your gardenSimple, practical techniques for creating your own soil inoculants to boost microbial activity at home
• How microbes, minerals, and organic matter work together to improve soil health and contribute to nutrient-dense food
• Sustainable methods for adding minerals to your garden beds and pots using locally sourced materials
• How to create a liquid mineral amendment from the weeds in your garden, turning unwanted plants into valuable resources

By the end of the session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the connection between the microbes and minerals beneath your feet, and their impact on plant health and nutrient density, along with simple strategies for enhancing soil fertility to supporting a more resilient, productive growing system.

This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Overview of Soil Health and role of Fungi; Soil Compaction; Soil Contamination and Safety;  – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

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.