Build Better Soil Workshop 2: Sheet Mulching
Build healthy soil with sheet mulching
Join us at the Rapsons’ commercial flower farm near Glorit for a practical, hands-on workshop exploring sheet mulching, compost, biochar and plants.
Learn how to layer cardboard and organic materials to suppress kikuyu and build healthier soil—and discover how these techniques can help improve heavy clay in your own garden.
This workshop welcomes gardeners, growers and anyone interested in healthier soil. Members of the Araparera–Makarau Catchment Management group and previous Rodney Soils Workshop participants are especially welcome.
Participants will also be invited back to see how the sheet mulched area develops.
Spaces are limited—register here to join us.
What you'll learn to do
Help create a garden bed: Take part in a sheet mulching demonstration using cardboard, organic materials and mulch. Explore the soil web: Learn how organic matter, biochar, fungi and plants work together, with an introduction to Terra Preta. Discover biochar: Watch Kevin’s video showing how he makes biochar and learn how it can be incorporated into garden soil. Assess the soil: See how a penetrometer is used to measure soil resistance and track changes over time. Take home practical ideas: Learn ways to manage kikuyu and prepare growing areas using materials available locally.
Programme
- 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Morning, from 10 am Morning tea and introductions Understanding our local clay soils and Terra Preta How biochar, organic matter, fungi and plants work together Kevin’s video on making biochar Soil testing with a penetrometer Lunch — bring your own Afternoon Hands-on sheet mulching: help finish a garden bed started before the workshop Practical discussion and questions about applying the techniques at home Finish at 3 pm Participants will also be invited back to see how the sheet mulched area develops.
FAQs
- Where is the workshop?
At the Rapsons’ commercial flower farm near Glorit, north of Auckland. The exact address will be provided after registration.
- Do I need gardening experience?
No prior experience is needed. The workshop is suitable for beginners, home gardeners and growers interested in improving their soil.
- What will we be doing?
You’ll learn about sheet mulching, biochar and the soil web, watch Kevin’s biochar-making video, and help finish a garden bed using cardboard and organic materials.
- Will we be making biochar on the day?
The planned programme includes a video showing Kevin’s biochar-making process and guidance on using biochar in the garden. The hands-on activity focuses on sheet mulching.
- What should I bring?
Please bring your lunch, drink bottle, hat, raincoat and gumboots. Gardening gloves and clothing suitable for outdoor work are also recommended.
- Is lunch provided?
No—please bring your own lunch. Morning tea is included in the programme.
- When is the workshop, and how much does it cost?
Sunday 25 October 2026, from 10 am to 3 pm. Tickets are $5 per person.
- Do I need to register?
Yes. Spaces are limited, so please register through Humanitix before attending.
- Can I get a refund if my plans change?
Yes—tickets are fully refundable if you can no longer attend.
- Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on site. The driveway is flat and suitable for small cars, although parking areas can be muddy after recent wet weather. Carpooling is encouraged where possible.
- Are children welcome, and do they need a ticket?
Children are welcome free of charge with a paying adult. This is a working farm, with no children’s activities or supervision provided. Parents and caregivers must supervise their children at all times.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
