Would you like to learn to grow your own food?

It’s never too late to start! In this weekend course, you will learn the basics of propagation from seed, be introduced to the growing calendar, get some seeds started on their growing journey, and learn about the wonders of soil, compost and seed.

This is a fun and practical two-day course with Lisa Houston in our community garden plot. No reading or written work needed. Soup and bread will be provided for lunches. You’ll come away knowing how to grow amazing fresh food with no pesticides. All while being out in the fresh air surrounded by healthy plants, friendly folk, and beautiful views.

This is an intensive version of the course that we usually run in May/June over six sessions (we will cover most of the same things over the two days). It will run 10am-3:30pm on both days.

Previous course participants on the six session course said:
“Very lovely people, I get lots of new information about vegetables, and how important is the soil for all of us and the planet. I am happy that I participated in that course because helped me to gain confidence in understanding how to look after vegetables, soil and the nature.”

“I really enjoyed getting involved in the practical aspects of the course and learning the theoretical! It was really well balanced!

Who is This For?

This course is for beginners who want to learn how to grow vegetables using wildlife-friendly methods (no pesticides). You don’t need to have your own garden – maybe you will one day. Or you can use these skills in any community growing space. The teaching is aimed at adults but you’re welcome to attend with a baby or young child.

Accessibility Notes

We will be in our Community Allotments and Garden, which has no stairs but is uneven, rough grassy ground and can get muddy. People have navigated it in robust wheelchairs and with walking aids. There is a spacious, single cubicle, level access, gender-neutral composting toilet in the garden.

We will mostly be outdoors – be prepared for windy north Edinburgh! There is hands-on activity, but no heavy lifting. We have outdoor kit you can borrow (wellies, waterproofs, fleeces). We don’t have microphones, but will be a fairly small group (under 20 people).

See below about ticket pricing and financial accessibility.

About the Course Prices

We have three different prices for this course. Paying the standard rate makes a contribution to covering our costs. If you can afford to pay the higher rate, you enable us to offer the discounted rate to folk under financial stress.

This course is over two days - the price is the total for both days:

Solidarity (Pay it Forward) £120
Standard Rate £80
Solidarity (Take if you Need) £40
+ booking fee

We can arrange a free space if the cost would prevent you from being able to attend – please email communityallotments@lauristonfarm.org to request this

Location

This course is in the farm's Community Garden. The entrance is just past the farmyard at the back of the Toby Carvery car park.

You can get travel directions via what3words:

https://what3words.com/eagles.guess.tree

Please use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle to get to the farm whenever possible.

Lothian Buses 16, 27, 29, 37 & 47 all stop within 5 minutes of the farm and there is a bike rack in the farmyard.

There is no public parking on the farm. We can support a small number of vehicles to drive onto the farm to park at the entrance - this is reserved for disabled people who need it as an access requirement. Please contact us in advance if you need this arrangement.