The Organic HomeGrower- 4 Sundays - 11th Feb, 28th Feb, 26th May, and 1st Sept

Grow Your Own Food: A 4-Sunday Gardening Course
There's so much to learn from this course that we've spread it out over 4 Sundays to follow the garden through the year.

Dates: Sun 11th Feb, Sun 28th Feb, Sun 26th May, and Sun 1st Sept
Time: 10am-4pm

Are you ready to cultivate your own fresh, delicious produce right in your garden? Join us for a comprehensive 4-Sunday Gardening Course that will empower you with the knowledge and skills to grow your own food. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, this course is designed to take you on a journey from seed to harvest, unlocking the secrets of sustainable, homegrown food production.

Here's what you'll learn:

Day 1 - Sunday 11th February: Soil Management & Garden Planning

• Discover the Secrets of Soil:
• We'll kick off the course by delving into the fundamentals of soil health. Learn how to assess and improve your garden's soil for optimal plant growth and how and when to cultivate your soil and improve soil fertility
• Garden Planning:
• The key to a successful food garden is good planning. Get hands-on experience in designing your garden layout, choosing the right crops, and creating a planting schedule for year-round harvests

Day 2 - Sunday 28th February: Seed Sowing & Propagation

• Choosing Compost and Equipment:
• Choosing a suitable compost in which to sow your seedlings
• Essential equipment and tools for successful organic gardening
  
• Sowing Under Cover and Direct into the Soil:
• Examine when sowing indoors and transplanting or direct into the garden is the best option
• Proper techniques for direct sowing seeds into garden beds
• Understanding the role of temperature, humidity, and light in seed germination
  
• Preparing Seed Beds in the Garden:
• Soil preparation techniques to create fertile, well-draining seed beds
• Choosing the right location for different types of crops in your garden
  
• Managing Your Seedlings:
• Techniques for nurturing seedlings to promote healthy growth
• Watering, and temperature considerations for seedling care
• Common issues and troubleshooting for young plants
  
• Transplanting:
• Proper timing for transplanting seedlings into the garden
• Techniques for minimising transplant shock and promoting root development
• Discuss the hardening off of seedlings

Day 3 - Sunday 26th May: Organic Soil Fertility & Pest Management

• Natural Pest Control:
• Say goodbye to harmful chemicals! Explore organic methods for pest and disease management that keep your garden flourishing while protecting the environment
• Composting & Fertilizing:
• Discover the art of composting and sustainable fertilization practices. Learn to create nutrient-rich compost that will fertilise your garden

Day 4 - Sunday 1st September: Harvesting & Culinary Delights

• Harvesting Techniques:
• It's time to reap what you've sown! Learn the best practices for harvesting your crops at their peak freshness to maximize taste and nutrition
• Cooking with Homegrown Produce:
• Join us for a culinary adventure as we turn our freshly harvested produce into mouth-watering dishes. Gain valuable cooking tips and recipes to savour the fruits of your labour

Course Benefits:

• Expert Guidance:
• Our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way
• Hands-On Experience:
• Get your hands dirty and apply what you've learned in our practical sessions
• Sustainable Practices:
• Learn eco-friendly methods for a healthier garden and planet
• Lifelong Skills:
• Acquire knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime
• Delicious Rewards:
• Enjoy the fruits of your labour with a sense of pride and satisfaction

On each day, you'll enjoy a delicious plot-to-plate mezze lunch overlooking the HQ Gardens (or in the garden if weather permits) and get the chance to meet and learn from fellow home growers. There will be coffee, tea and scones on arrival each day and a seasonal cordial for an afternoon pick-me-up.

About Our Head Grower, Richard Mee:
Richard started growing at only 3 years old with his dad and since then has accumulated over 40 years of growing experience. He studied for a BSc in Horticulture at Reading University and an MSc in Organic Farming at the Scottish Agricultural College. In addition to the UK and Ireland, Richard has grown veg all over the world, including Central America and Africa.

Cancellation Policy
We operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your booking at least 48 hours prior to event you will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the date will not be refunded. 

Allergies
Please advise us of any dietary requirements and allergens when booking (email: allen@giy.ie) - we are unable to change the menu on the day.