1. Soil Prep & Amendments

2. Healthy SoilHealthy Plants Healthy Planet Supports plants Holds nutrients, water, air & helpful organisms

3. Soil Composition Decomposed rock particles Organic matter from decomposing plants & animals Air Water Living organisms Is it dirt or is it soil?

5. Soil Texture and Type Sand Silt Clay The larger the particles - the faster water passes through it

6. Soil Test Rough & Gritty SANDY Sticky CLAY Slippery SILT

7. Increasing Soil Fertility Replenish nutrients

8. Nature’s Way

9. Compost A Controlled Process BREAKDOWN SPEED Carbon Nitrogen Aeration Moisture Volume

10. Supplies organic matter to soil Attracts earthworms Stimulates beneficial soil microorganisms Increases soil water holding capacity Increases soil nutrient retention Reduces organics in landfills Why Compost

11. Vermicomposting A classroom exploration into life cycles

12. Building and Maintaining Healthy Soil  Understand our soil  Keep it nutrient-rich  Cover with mulch  Maintain good aeration