Grow Your Own: A Seasonal Journey from Seed to Harvest
Grow Your Own: A Seasonal Journey from Seed to Harvest
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Tutor: Klaus Laitenberger
Duration: January to October 2026 (see dates below)
Time: 10.00am to 4.30pm
Maximum Participants: 15
Cost: 1,200 euro per person including VAT (25% payable on booking and the balance payable on 15th December)
Course Overview
This 10 day gardening course offers a unique, hands-on learning experience set in the beautiful surroundings of Ballinlough Castle. Running one day per month from January to October 2026, participants will learn how to grow their own vegetables, herbs, fruit, and medicinal plants for a home apothecary.
Each session will combine the following:
- Seasonal garden walks observing what's happening in the Walled Garden and surrounding landscape.
- Practical gardening, participants will establish a course garden from scratch, transforming a section of lawn into a productive organic garden.
- Thematic sessions, a focused two hour module each month, blending theory and practice on key organic gardening topics.
- Seasonal tasks and targets.
- Tea, coffee on arrival and a light lunch are included.
The course is suitable for beginners as well as those with some gardening experience who wish to deepen their knowledge and practical skills in organic growing and sustainable food production.
Ornamental Pond, Wall Garden, Ballinlough Castle
Monthly Course Outline
January - Introduction and the Importance of Soil
Understanding the foundation of all successful growing. Explore soil structure, fertility, and global issue of soil degradation.
DATE: Wednesday 14th January 2026
February - Composting: The Art and Science of Compost Making
Learn how to create nutrient-rich compost using garden and kitchen waste - the heart of every organic garden.
DATE: Wednesday 18th February 2026
March - Propagation: Seeds and Vegetative Techniques
Hands-on seed sowing, division, cutting, and layering to multiply plants efficiently and sustainably.
DATE: Wednesday 18th March 2026
April - Crop Rotation and Bed Preparation
Designing productive garden beds and managing soil health through simple rotation systems.
DATE: Tuesday 21st April 2026
May - Organic Weed Control
Practical methods for weed prevention and management without chemicals - mulching, hoeing, and timing strategies.
DATE: Tuesday 26th May 2026
June - Organic Pest and Disease Prevention
Creating a balanced ecosystem to keep plants healthy using companion planting, biodiversity, and observation.
DATE: Tuesday 16th June 2026
July - Growing Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
Discover the power of herbs for the kitchen and home pharmacy - growing, harvesting, and using them safely.
DATE: To Be Confirmed
August - Green Manures and Cover Crops for Soil Fertility
Explore how to build soil fertility naturally using living plants to protect and nourish the soil.
DATE: To Be Confirmed
September - Growing and Propagating Fruit
Pruning, layering, and propagation of fruit bushes and trees - building long term abundance.
DATE: To Be Confirmed
October - Planning Your Own Garden and Successional Sowing
Designing a productive year-round garden and planning continuous harvests.
DATE: To Be Confirmed
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course participants will:
- Understand the principles of organic growing.
- Gain confidence in planning and managing their own vegetable and herb gardens.
- Learn to make compost, sow seeds, propagate plants, and manage soil fertility.
- Acquire practical skills for sustainable, low-impact food production.
- Develop knowledge of growing and using medicinal herbs for home health.
About the Tutor
Klaus Laitenberger is an organic grower, author and educator with decades of experience. He was the Head Gardener at the Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim and restored the gardens of Lissadell House in Co. Sligo. He is a regular contributor to the Irish Garden magazine as well as teaching at Ballymaloe Cookery School and the Irish College of Herbal Medicine. He has inspired thousands through his books and courses.
The Orchard, Wall Garden, Ballinlough Castle