Soil and Soil Amendments is a four-session course offered ONLINE on Tuesdays, Oct. 29 to Nov.19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class, taught by Monique Bosch, will take place on Zoom and will explain how plant growth is affected by soils, from drainage to pH and nutrients. Learn how to evaluate soils, improve those that are less than ideal and amend soils for specific garden uses. Fertilizers, soil amendments, making and using compost, moisture management, and the pros and cons of mulching will be covered. Students need to get a soil sample before class and bring the results to the first class.

Trained in landscape design, horticulture and soil biology, Monique Bosch is a community leader focused on healthy soil/healthy food. For the last 15 years, she has worked with volunteers and students to build over 40 edible school and community gardens, and a two-acre urban farm in Bridgeport, Conn. She is the Soil Health Program Manager for CT NOFA: The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (@ctnofa), and runs a worm composting business with her son Justin. She also teaches Soil Management for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. In 2023 Monique worked with staff and students at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, to launch a Food and Resilience center. She studied ‘The Soil Food Web’ under Dr. Elaine Ingham, and teaches microscopy, soil health and composting to farmers and organizations.