Special to the Daily
No matter where your plant starters were grown or how heirloom your seeds may be, experienced gardeners know when it comes to success in the garden — it’s all about the soil. Soil gives us life, but it’s easily Earth’s most valuable and underappreciated resource.
Jeff Lowenfels, author of “Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web” not only understands the magical world of dirt, he knows how to make your soil healthy in order to grow great veggies. Vail Symposium, in partnership with Colorado Mountain College’s Sustainable Cuisine program, hosts Lowenfels on June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at CMC in Edwards for “Teaming with Microbes,” a public lecture, and on June 9 at 9:30 a.m. for a hands-on workshop.
Friday evening’s lecture will include discussion about soil, composting and organic gardening. His Saturday morning hands-on workshop will take place in the CMC gardens and greenhouse area and will guide participants through the process of preparing soil and beds and planting your own organic garden. Lowenfels is a leader in the organic-gardening movement and has been called “the Cal Ripken of North American garden columnists.” His weekly column has run in the “Anchorage Daily News” for more than 36 years. Tickets are $15 for reception and lecture, $30 for garden workshop or $40 both. Register with the Symposium at 970-476-0954.