“Nature’s cover crop”: Using leaves for no-till gardening and small-scale farming.
September 18th, 7-8pm

Registration form below.

Workshop Description: Avoiding tillage is better for the soil, better for plants, and better for the gardener. In this presentation, Richard Robinson of Hopestill Farm in Sherborn will describe his method of no-till growing,
focusing on the use of a deep leaf mulch to suppress weed growth while feeding the soil. Unlike no-till systems developed for very large farms, this method is ideally suited to the home garden and the small-scale farm. We’ll discuss practical aspects of using leaves, including acquiring, moving, and applying to the soil, the best crops, and important considerations for successful growing.
The one hour presentation will include time for questions.

Bio: Richard Robinson has been farming for over 40 years, and practicing no-till growing with leaf mulch for almost a decade. With his wife, he farms Hopestill Farm, a certified organic vegetable and Christmas tree farm in Sherborn, that focuses on growing delicious and nutritious food for CSA and retail sales, mainly with hand tools. Richard is also a science writer and former high school teacher.