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Seed to Seed is a farmer-run agricultural school with course offerings open to the public!
This spring we are offering the 14th annual Soil, Plant, and Organic Methods course taught by S2S director and farmer John Kenny.
This course covers foundational soil science, plant science, and soil maintenance principles with a focus on organic farming methods.
For Who?
This material will be accessible for any kind of grower from any background (farming, gardening, landscaping, etc). Although the material may be challenging for the beginner it will be presented with an introductory focus.
When and What’s Covered?
Class One (March 17th 6-8pm ) focuses on the physical and chemical nature of soil, origins of New England soils, and the nature of soil organic matter.
Class Two (March 19th 6-8pm) explores the metabolic function of plants and how soil-acquired mineral nutrition becomes reorganized into plant tissue.
Class Three (March 24th 6-8pm) begins to explain the complex world of soil microbiology and the ecological role they play on our farms, forests and meadows.
Class Four (March 26th 6-8pm) takes all the subjects we discussed in the first three classes and tries to illuminate management strategies for smart growing.
In addition to the four-class Soil course, Seed to Seed instructor Dr. Alejandro Brambila will be teaching the first annual Agro-ecology course in April of 2025. Anyone registered for the Soil class will be automatically enrolled in Dr. Brambila’s Agro-ecology course! (Held April 2nd and 7th).
Agro-ecology is the modeling of farming practices with natural systems. Being informed by natural systems is a way to reduce inputs on the farm, regenerate depleted soil, encourage biodiversity, and save money and labor. Dr. Brambila will discuss different models of bio mimicry and how to implement them into various kinds of farming systems. Agro-ecology ranges from the elegantly simple to the highly complex and Dr. Brambila will help to simplify and demonstrate these practices using examples from successful farmers.
Where?
Class will be held virtually.
What’s the Charge?
S2S is offering a sliding scale of $50 - $150 for the course (including Dr. Brambila’s Agro-ecology two-class course). Coupons are available for no-cost entry upon request.
Instructors
John Kenny is S2S founder and director. He has been farming for over twenty years and has been running Big Train Farm, a certified organic farm in Rhode Island since 2008.
John has been working with growers of all kinds, big and small, as a collaborator, educator, and student for his entire career. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in biological sciences (specialty in botany), organic chemistry, and wildlife biology. He completed his degree in 2010 after starting his farming business in 2008.
John attempts to be a resource for farmers young and old with a commitment to honesty and modesty in his approach. John still sees himself very much as a student and is always honored to have the opportunity to learn and to teach.
Dr. Alejandro Brambila is a field ecologist and agro-ecologist, originally from California and living and working in Providence, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He will be teaching the short-course in April on Agro-ecology. Agro-ecology is the modeling of farming practices with natural systems. Being informed by natural systems is a way to reduce inputs on the farm, regenerate depleted soil, encourage biodiversity, and save money and labor.