Organic Vegetable and Fruit Growing
One-day workshop
A practical introduction to growing fruit and vegetables organically, at the Core College campus in Castlecomer
A practical introduction to growing fruit and vegetables organically at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. Spend a day in the gardens learning how to prepare soil, plan a productive growing space, and care for crops through the seasons using organic methods.
Available Dates
Dates to be released
Duration
One day
Hours
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Investment
€190 per person, or €115 with NOTS funding (see below)
A day in the organic garden
The Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growing workshop is a one-day course at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. It is a practical introduction to growing food organically, designed for anyone who wants to start a kitchen garden, improve yields from an existing one, or move towards more sustainable methods of growing.
You will spend the day in the Core College gardens with Klaus Laitenberger, a specialist in organic gardening and author of three gardening books, and Heiko Klee, head gardener at the college. You will learn how to prepare the ground for strong, healthy growth, what "organic" really means in day-to-day growing, how to improve fertility using composting and mulching, and how to plan a productive garden through the seasons.
No previous experience is needed.
What the day covers
A practical introduction to the foundations of organic food growing, starting with soil. We will look at the role of living soil, how to prepare the ground for strong, healthy growth, and easy, effective ways to improve fertility using composting and mulching.
A central part of the day is seasonal planning. You will learn how to choose the right crops for the time of year, plan a productive garden, and use simple sowing and planting techniques that set you up for success. The day combines hands-on garden work with practical teaching from two experienced organic growers.
The principles of organic fruit and vegetable growing
Preparing the ground for healthy growth
The role of living soil
Improving fertility through composting and mulching
Seasonal planning and crop choices
Simple sowing and planting techniques
Care of growing crops through the seasons
A tour of the Core College organic gardens
Who is this for?
The workshop is open to everyone. Beginners, home gardeners, and anyone who wants to grow better food more naturally are all welcome. Whether you are starting from scratch, hoping to improve your yields, or looking for more sustainable ways to grow fruit and vegetables, you will find the day practical and useful. You do not need any background in gardening.
Taught by working practitioners
A one-day workshop is only as good as the people running it. The Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growing day is led by Klaus Laitenberger and Heiko Klee, two experienced gardeners who have spent years working with organic methods in Ireland.
Heiko Klee
Head gardener at Core College. Heiko has spent the past seven years focusing on medicinal herb cultivation in Ireland. He leads the development of the college's medicinal herb growing project, with a strong focus on organic methods suited to the Irish climate.
Klaus Laitenberger
Specialist in organic gardening and author of three gardening books. Klaus is a regular contributor to Irish Garden magazine and was central to the creation of the Core College gardens. He is passionate about organic growing and maintaining soil health, and is well known in Ireland as a teacher.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any background in gardening to attend?
1
No. The day is designed for beginners and anyone with a general interest in growing food. No previous knowledge is required.
What does the day actually involve?
2
A mix of teaching, hands-on garden work, and demonstrations, with a tour of the Core College organic gardens.
What should I bring?
3
Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for outdoor garden work. A notebook and a pen are useful. Herbal teas are provided throughout the day. There is a break at lunchtime, and there are places nearby in Castlecomer where students can have lunch.
Will I be able to start growing my own fruit and vegetables after the day?
4
Yes. You will leave with a clear understanding of how to prepare the ground, plan a productive garden, and care for crops through the seasons. The day is designed to give you confidence to start.
Next steps ❋
Course fee and NOTS funding
The course fee is €190 per person.
If you are employed or self-employed and resident in the Republic of Ireland, you may be eligible for 40% funding through the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), bringing the fee to €115. Funding is administered directly by NOTS, not by Core College.
To book your place and apply for funding, please visit the NOTS website. Dates for this course will be released shortly.