Soil Food Web 101 - Meet the Microorganisms
Join Alter Eco Farms as we dive deep into the microscope to learn about all of the microorganisms that live beyond our vision, in the soil.
We will discuss common categories of soil microorganisms, learning about their identification and function. We will learn about how microorganisms naturally create nutrient cycling for plants and the many other benefits the baby microbes provide.
We will look at several samples under the microscope (projected so everyone can see) and compare different samples from our area to draw some conclusions about the state of soil in the south.
Once we’ve gotten attached to our cute and very helpful microscopic friends, we will talk about what exactly happened to all the microbes and how we can work to get them back and restore the nutrient balance of our soils.
April 28th, 2024 10:00 AM - Urban Horticulture Supply - Chattanooga, Tennessee - $20 - $35
Soil Food Web 201 - Thermal Composting
Taking all of the information we learned in Soil Food Web 101, we will now move into how to make your own biologically minded compost for maximum microorganism super powers.
This class will cover the different types of composting and what makes the most sense for your needs, as well as a hands on demonstration of a biologically minded thermal composting process. We will learn about how to source low cost / free compost ingredients, how to develop a recipe, how to build a pile and how to maintain a healthy compost pile.
This is a HANDS on class and you will get dirty. Bring your own gloves.
Upcoming dates to be announced
Soil Food Web 301 - Extracts and Teas
Class in development. Expected in 2025.
Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers - 2024 Farm Olympics
Join young farmers (and old farmers, and people who are for sure not farmers) from across Southeast Tennessee for this family friendly event featuring hay bale tossing, pie eating, pig roasting, dancing and a little fiddle to top it off. Participate in the silent auction for your chance to win a Biological Soil / Amendment Test from Alter Eco Farms. All event proceeds go to Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers.
June 8, 2024 02:00pm - Cove Creek Farm - Monteagle, TN - $17.85 - $33.85 (includes dinner)
Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers - The Best Biological Bang for Your Buck
Spend the afternoon (12-3 p.m. EST) learning how to make super-charged compost with low-cost, readily-available materials at Askew Farms in Rock Spring, GA. You'll get more insight into what makes a batch of compost "super-charged" from compost expert Krisi of Alter Eco Farm.
Enjoy a lunch on the farm, followed by a Southeast TN Young Farmers Quarterly Meeting. Then participate in a compost potluck!
April 16, 2024 12:00 PM - Askew Farms - Rock Spring, GA - Free