Talk Dirt to Me: A Conversation on Soil Health

Unseasonably warm temperatures have many Ashland County residents itching to get their hands in the dirt and get to work on their gardens and flower beds. But the key to a successful growing season lies just as much in the prep work done before planting than getting the plants in the ground and caring for them.

That’s why Ashland SWCD is partnering with Forbes Farmstead Market to host our April 11 Conservation Chat: Talk Dirt to Me to help area residents make the best out of the 2024 season by making sure they have the proper foundation for success in place.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “That’s why soil testing and really knowing and understanding what’s in your soil and what your soil needs is so important.”

The chat will feature information about Ashland SWCD’s programs that are tailored to homeowners, from their soil testing program to their rain barrel sales. Attendees will even be able to pre-order rain barrel kits or kits with a barrel to install at their home. Attendees can even bring their own soil samples to the chat to be tested; fees will vary based on the intensity of the testing selected.

Eric Larson from the Richland Master gardeners will be on hand to talk about soil health and the world of living microorganisms that make up the soil food web beneath our feet.

Wendy Forbes of Forbes Farmstead market will also talk about proper plant selection for your garden or landscape.

The Talk Dirt to Me Conservation Chat will take place on April 11 at 6 p.m. at Forbes Farmstead Market, 5614 McCurdy Road, Perrysville, Registration will be $5/person, or when you bring a friend you can both come for free. A light dinner will be included in the registration.

RSVPs are required to plan for meeting supplies. Registration can be made by calling Ruth McCreat at 419-281-7645 or online at www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-talk-dirt-to-me-tickets-802954708147