Carbon & Soil

With Fiona Buining (Ainslie Urban Farm)

Workshop description

An introduction to the relationship between carbon and soil. This workshop builds an understanding of carbon in the atmosphere, soil and plants. You will learn about humus - what it is, how it is formed and the vital role it plays in your soil. Fiona will outline practical ways to capture carbon in your soil to build healthy soils and plants, and increase the water and nutrient holding capacity of your soil. This includes a range of composting methods and garden bed preparation. 

Please note, Fiona runs a range of workshops centred around growing food and can tailor a workshop to your needs and interests. Please enquire for more information.

Target audience(s)

Gardeners interested in carbon capture, composting, improving their soils and plants. 

Workshop length

One to two hours depending on requirements and venue.

Workshop requirements

Up to 25 participants. Whiteboard and bulldog clips. Undercover area or indoors with ability to show digital slides, i.e. projector, screen and cables. 

Booking & Inquiries

Contact Fiona Buining at Ainslie Urban Farm either by email to info@ainslieurbanfarm.com.au or phone on 0482 173 696

Facilitator bio

Fiona Buining runs Ainslie Urban Farm where she grows microgreens for local restaurants. Her 1/4 block, developed following permaculture principles, has two greenhouses, over 50 fruit trees, nuts, berries, vegetables, beehives and chickens. Fiona runs workshops centred around food growing, has worked with SEE Change to build 5 verge gardens and runs tours of her property.  

Fiona travelled for her Churchill Fellowship in 2022 to the USA, Canada, The UK and the Netherlands to investigate urban farm ventures that provide vocational pathways for aspiring food growers. Fiona is working to establish an urban farm training program in Canberra.   

Please note, Fiona runs a range of workshops centred around growing food and can tailor a workshop to your needs and interests.

  • Workshops include:   

    • Garden bed preparation and irrigation   

    • Gardening in small spaces   

    • Super seedlings - propagating seedlings  

    • Soils, potting mixes and fertility 

    • Maintaining a healthy Garden - pests, diseases and crop protection  

    • Planning for autumn and winter including season extension  

    • Spring into Summer - get ready for summer growing  

    • Fun with fruit - fruit trees and introduction to pruning fruit trees  

    • Building a verge garden - hands on  

    • Tours of Ainslie Urban Farm 

SoilEd CBR

Soil Education — Home Grown in Canberra

From general information, to DIY guides, to different soil-related workshops on offer in Canberra, SoilEd CBR has you and your soil sorted!

SoilEd CBR was published in 2025 with assistance from the ACT Government under the Community Zero Emissions Grants Program