Here are just some of the treasures you’ll find around GROW on the day:
> GROW Lab with Mark Berndt
Soil-life specialist Mark Berndt of Ground Grocer will be at the GROW Lab examining local soil and taking us on a regenerative journey from bare and weedy dirt to the fungal soils of silvopastures.
Mark will also lead short workshops across the day on, among other things, using a refractometer and on compost tea brewing ~ essential skills whether you’re cropping or grazing or tending to a fruit tree and a little raised garden bed in your backyard. Stay tuned for the exact timings of GROW Lab workshops but here’s some of the action Mark is planning:
All day: live microscope of soil life on the big screen
Growth Triad: Enhancing production through soil life (15 mins) at 10.30am and 1.30pm
Brix Trix: refractometer workshop (10mins) at 11.30am and 2.30pm
> GROW Chat with Sustainable Table
Sustainable Table’s Kristy Stewart is arranging a few bales of straw and pinning up some butchers’ paper in the Growers’ Hub to facilitate informal discussions across the day exploring the burning topics you’d like on the agenda , such as regen farmers’ challenges, successes and where you need support right now. Incredible problem solving can happen when we the harness the experience and energy of the collective. First chat: 12 noon. If there’s demand, we’ll schedule more!
> GROWER Hub with local producers
We’re creating a mini high street at GROW with a hand-picked selection of innovative, regeneratively focused local food, fibre and flower growers and producers. Peruse their produce and ask how they grow what they grow. These are passionate people who love what they do and do it to connect with people like you!
> books at GROW with Stoneman’s Bookroom
Independent bookstore Stoneman’s of Castlemaine is setting up shop with a carefully curated selection of food, farming, gardening, science, nature and conservation titles to help you continue your learning journey.
> more to come from 25+ exhibitors
We’re overjoyed by how many on-theme exhibitors have claimed their patch of the Exhibitor Paddock – each will offer interactive displays and demonstrations across the day. Experienced staff are on hand to answer your burning questions.
