Harvesting the Seasons:

A Natural Approach to Growing Food in Cities

WE ARE NOW OPENING RECRUITMENT FOR THE THREE REMAINING SESSIONS OF OUR SUSTAINABLE FOOD GROWING COURSE.

We will look into why it is important to keep growing vegetables during winter and what winter crops we can plant.

We will practice autumn and winter propagation techniques (such as indoor seed sowing, hardwood cuttings, etc)

and other tasks to to carry during the autumn and winter months.

We will learn about pest and diseases that are prevalent during this period and how to plan for the year.

Do you want to start growing plants and vegetables sustainably but don't know where to begin? Are you growing already but want to improve your yield and deter pests without using chemicals and artificial fertilizers? Would you like to connect with local people who share your interests but can't attend weekday sessions? This course at Calthorpe Community Garden is designed to teach sustainable urban food-growing techniques, soil management, sustainable living and much more. Each session includes theory on food growing, hands-on activities and an introduction to our community food closed-loop system. It includes practices that minimise your impact on the planet and will help you make the most of the food-growing possibilities in every season.

What you will learn

Eco-Friendly Practices: Dive into rainwater harvesting and natural pest management, including a hands-on slug defence tutorial. Explore how to build your soil health with natural resources instead of using chemicals. Learn about the role of pollinators and how to attract them. 

A Year-Round Bounty: Gain insights into growing for prosperity, planning your garden's yearly cycle, enjoying a continuous supply of home-grown food using methods like intercropping and learning about winter crops and winter companions.

Food Growing Techniques: Master seed sowing and transplanting including pricking out and potting up. Understand the basics of pruning.

Times

We had 5 sessions from March to July and we are now opening applications for participants for the three remaining sessions which will take place bimonthly. Each of the three remaining sessions will last two hours and a half or three hours and will include a practical activity in addition to theory.

Dates confirmed as follows:

14th September 2024

16th November 2024

18th January 2025

AQA Certificate level 1 on Sustainable Gardening

The certificate is available twice during the course, first in July and then in February after completing the 1st or 2nd round of sessions.

For more information on AQA certificates please see: https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme/unit-details?unit=115224

Financial contribution

Low-income or unemployed learners pay a £20 refundable deposit, provided attendance criteria are met. Please fill this registration form to check your eligibility.

For those earning over £20,000 (and who have disposable income) the suggested donation will be a sliding scale per block of 5 sessions as follows:

£25 from £20000 to £25000 annually before tax 

£50 from £25000 to £30000 annually before tax

£75 over £30000 annually before tax 

 If the suggested donation will be a barrier for you accessing the course please let us know. We would really like to make the course accessible.

This course is funded by Camden Climate Fund and delivered in collaboration with MadLeap.