Learn the fundamentals of building healthy, live soil, different composting techniques including worm bins and lasagna layers for garden beds in a hands-on environment. Taught by soil scientist Ian, and tour by master gardeners Rebecca and Sara.
Saturday June 8th, 5-7pm
It will be out at a real garden so we can get our hands dirty. Please message us for the address.

Sara bio
Sara has been a student of ecology and organic gardening for 10 plus years now. Permaculture was a way for her to put the puzzle pieces together combining ecological restoration efforts and growing food and medicine for people who are most in need of access to healthy food. She has a degree in environmental studies and OSU Extension Master Gardener certification, with a special interest in localizing the food system and growing food in smaller urban spaces.

Ian Bio
It is my belief that there is no greater freedom allocated to us in our present society than the ability for one to cultivate their own crops and feed themselves and their community the nutrition required for a vital existence. And no greater freedom to the farmer than being able to create ones own fertility ie compost.

I have been studying organic agriculture for two decades now. Throughout my career I have found practical experience to be instrumental in the process of understanding the nuances of farming and gardening. My first farm internship took place wit the late, great Bill Gibson of Bittersweet Farms. Since then I have started my own farms, and helped friends and family, and clients with theirs.
I graduated from Oregon state University with a degree in botany and plant pathology. While at university I took classes from multiple disciplines, including soil science, horticulture and mycology. While attending classes I had the pleasure of working with Harry McCormack of Sunbow farms where I sharecropped and ran my company artisan gardens, a 5 acre market garden. After graduation, I worked with Demeter as a biodynamic inspector based out of Santa Cruz California.
I have created food recovery systems working with local grocery stores and restaurants to create worm castings and thermophyllic compost piles. I managed a small market garden in the Malibu hills, where we produced and sold biodynamic compost. A student of Dr. Elaine Ingham for the past 10+ years I have closely followed the evolution of compost tea and the monitoring of soil microbiology. Currently I have a consultant company, CURE SOIL CONSULTING. My approach is based off of soil microbiology reports where we pair desired microbial biomass and ratios with the specific crops in cultivation. Mineral balancing is a complex science that we do not neglect in lieu of the advent of microbial testing.
It is about compiling all the data from every agrarian school of thought and providing all those tools to add to the farms resilience and success.

My personal passions lie in the study of plant hormones and the nuances of chemical signaling that happen within the microbial matrix. We are only now beginning to understand the symphony of interactions and signals that take place within the soil matrix.

Composting in and of itself provides an unparalleled freedom to the farmer and Gardner, for with very few tools one can acquisition all necessary minerals and plant nutrients without relying on the large companies and corporations needed to mine and ship these elements.
When at all possible there are a plethora of waste products from other industries, ie fishing industry. It is with this in mind that we will explain and demonstrate the ancient art of composting. May it lead to a remediation of our soils, our communities and our own internal health. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Thank you,
Ian Hunter