Soil Health Week in Montgomery County is a celebration of regenerative soil practices that you can apply to your own garden or farm. Local organizations and independent professionals are coming together to educate guests on how proper soil management can make a lasting impact on the environment.
The Foodbank Inc. will offer guided tours of its urban garden, showcasing regenerative practices such as composting, biodiversity, interplanting, and the complete avoidance of pesticides and fertilizers. Guests will also explore our hydroponic lettuce greenhouse, which features beneficial insect integration, a custom nutrient blend tailored to Dayton’s water, a recycled water system, and sustainable growing techniques.
Presentations will also educate guests with practical knowledge on how to build healthy soil systems in their own backyard garden or farm.
Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, Soil Health Week is your chance to learn, connect, and take action. Come get your hands dirty, ask questions, and leave inspired to regenerate your soil.
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2-4 p.m. | Join us for a day of learning and inspiration to keep our land regenerative! At this event, The Foodbank Inc. will offer a tour of its bountiful 40-bed urban garden, composting process, and hydroponic greenhouse. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with some of Montgomery County’s soil-focused sustainability advocates, educators, and professionals, each sharing insights on how we can nurture regenerative practices in soil.
Hands-on Activities | There will be a hands-on soil water retention experiment, giving guests the chance to explore how different soil types hold moisture and why it matters for healthy plants. Also! Don’t miss the opportunity to adopt a worm and learn how these tiny soil heroes help transform food scraps into rich vermicompost.
Soil Amendments, Biochar, Compost, and Green Manures | Natural soil amendments, biochar, compost, and green manures are all ways you can help increase soil water and nutrient retention by building up the organic matter layer. This layer acts like a sponge, improving the soil’s ability to hold moisture and nutrients, while also supporting beneficial microbial life. Over time, these practices enhance soil structure, reduce erosion, and promote healthier plant growth leading to a more regenerative agricultural system.
Regenerative Soil Practices in the Urban Garden | The urban garden practices many regenerative soil techniques by intercropping, crop rotating, avoiding the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and supporting a healthy microbiome by giving the soil a rich organic matter layer. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see how The Foodbank Inc. works with nature to grow its beautiful produce.
Addressing Food Security | This event celebrates the link between healthy soil and the nutritious food we depend on. Did you know that the 18 essential nutrients our bodies need including iron, calcium, and magnesium all originate from the soil? When soil is rich in organic matter it passes those nutrients on to the plants we eat. By caring for our soil, we’re not just supporting agriculture we’re investing in public health and food security for our communities.
Building a Community of Soil Stewards | By bringing together local urban farmers, local organizations and community members this event fosters a network of people committed to soil health. Healthy soil grows healthy communities. Let's make an impact on the future of soil health!
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Hannabelle Millard, The Foodbank Inc., (937) 831-2446, hmillard@thefoodbankdayton.org