Beneath the Surface Vol. 3 — See what’s been growing!
We’re nearing the end of another year, which means we’re considering what to do next. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, that means preparing for the next growing season: making compost, planting ground covers, and lots of microscopy. For those in the south, it’s time to swing back into action: planting, preparing amendments – and yes, lots of microscopy.
This past year has been full of activity here at the SFW School. We’ve had a number of students graduating to become certified consultants, and colleagues showing up in publications and webinars. And as always, lots of learning and lots of fun.
Workshops and more workshops
At the CTP Accelerator Workshop in Cyprus in January, we were honored to have in attendance Advanced Programs student Hongyan Lu, who has since become our first SFW certified consultant in China. Attending along with Lu were students from 19 countries, making the student group in Cyprus our most diverse so far.
In Costa Rica in March, the students and mentors came up with some great techniques for mixing compost materials when there are lots of willing composters available to help. Many hands not only make light work, they make the work more enjoyable too.
In the UK in June, students got to see the large-scale composting operation managed by SFW School Mentor Nick Padwick, including the use of a compost turner – in this case, the tractor-mounted turner that allows Nick to produce 750 tons of compost annually.
Students gather for field instruction at the farm managed by SFW School mentor Nick Padwick in Norfolk, UK.
And now we’re back in Costa Rica again for the year’s fourth workshop, once again enjoying the accommodations at Armonia Agricultura Organica. The campus is a center of health and learning that includes primary and secondary grade schools and an organic farm that serves as an educational centerpiece while also feeding visitors at an on-site restaurant.
These immersive, two-week workshops are where theory meets practice. Students learn how to make biologically complete compost, extracts and teas, and to apply the beneficial microorganisms it contains, and assess soil biology under the microscope — all guided by experienced Soil Food Web consultants and instructors.
Each Accelerator Workshop has been more than just a training — it’s been a celebration of community, collaboration, and hope for the planet. Here’s to another successful workshop and to all the students and mentors helping to restore soil health around the world!
👉 Want to join us in 2026? Stay tuned for next year’s workshop announcements and start your journey toward becoming a Soil Food Web Consultant. Fill out our Interest Form to be the first to know!
