Introduction to Vegetable Gardening

A modern, sustainable, no-dig gardening course rooted in seasonal growing, soil health and simple, achievable techniques.

This is a one-day course and costs £75.00 (discounts are available for group bookings)

Payment is via PayPal in advance. Please get in touch for availability

At The CowShed, Castle Farm, Enmore | Somerset

This introductory vegetable gardening course is designed for anyone who wants to grow food with confidence — whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to build strong foundations.

Set in the peaceful surroundings of The CowShed at Castle Farm, the course combines practical tuition, hands-on learning and a calm, thoughtful approach to growing that works with nature, not against it. A delicious 2-course vegetarian lunch and snacks are included to fuel you for the day’s activities.

Dates:
10am to 4pm on the following dates
February 26th
February 28th
March 13th
March 14th

About the Course

Growing your own vegetables is about more than producing food.
It’s about understanding soil, working with the seasons, and developing a deeper connection to the natural world.

This course offers a clear, supportive introduction to vegetable gardening, covering everything you need to know to start growing successfully — without overwhelm.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave with:

A solid understanding of how vegetables grow
Confidence to start your own plot or beds
Practical knowledge you can use immediately
A deeper appreciation of seasonal gardening
A calm, sustainable approach to growing food

No experience is needed. This course is designed for beginners and early-stage gardeners.

What You’ll Learn

Understanding Your Growing Space

Learn how to read your garden and work with what you have.

Light, aspect and shelter
Soil types and drainage
Growing in small spaces or raised beds
Making the most of your garden’s natural conditions

Soil Health & Sustainable Growing

Healthy soil is the foundation of all good gardening.

You’ll learn:

What healthy soil looks and feels like
Why soil biology matters
How to improve soil naturally
Composting basics
Why peat-free growing is essential

What to Grow & When

Understanding seasonality is key to successful vegetable growing.

We’ll cover:

What to sow and when
Easy crops for beginners
Succession sowing
Growing for reliability and flavour
Choosing varieties suited to the UK climate

Propagation & Seed Sowing

A practical introduction to growing plants from seed.

Including:

Seed sowing techniques
Potting on and transplanting
Caring for young plants
Avoiding common mistakes
Growing strong, healthy seedlings

There will be time to practise and ask questions throughout.

Companion Planting & Plant Health

Learn how to work with nature to support healthy crops.

Topics include:

Companion planting principles
Encouraging beneficial insects
Recognising common plant problems
Natural, organic approaches to pests and disease

Feeding Your Garden Naturally

How to nourish plants without chemicals.

You’ll learn:

When and how to feed plants
Organic fertilisers and compost teas
Simple homemade feeds
Avoiding overfeeding

Harvesting & Seed Saving

Understanding when and how to harvest makes all the difference.

We’ll cover:

Harvesting for flavour and continued cropping
How to store produce
Simple seed-saving techniques
Preparing for the next growing season

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

Beginners wanting to grow vegetables
Gardeners lacking confidence
People interested in sustainable or organic gardening
Those wanting to grow food at home
Anyone seeking a slower, more mindful approach to gardening

No previous experience is required.

A Note from Lucy

I believe gardening should feel grounding, not overwhelming.

This course is about learning to observe, understand and work gently with nature — building confidence through knowledge rather than perfection.

Whether you’re growing in a small garden, raised beds or containers, you’ll leave feeling inspired, capable and ready to grow.