The Growing Academy - Laurelbank Farm's Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growing Course

The Growing Academy is the first ever Organic Fruit and Veg Growing Course to be held at Laurelbank Farm. Building on my experience teaching at South Eastern Regional College, I’ve decided its time to take the next step and open my own Growing Academy - right here at the farm!

Our 30-week part-time course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of organic fruit and vegetable cultivation. Students will learn about sustainable growing methods, soil health, propagation, pest management, and harvesting techniques, all within the context of organic growing.

The course will include both theory and hands-on practical sessions, to equip participants with all the skills and knowledge needed to grow organic fruits and vegetables successfully and easily.

This is a in-person course based at Laurelbank Farm – a 7-acre organically certified farm, outside Saintfield. County Down.

This is not an accredited course. However, we will have regular online quizzes to reinforce learning and to help students catch up if they miss a week or two.

The course will run for 30 weeks of classes on Tuesday afternoons. From Tuesday 20th Feb to Tuesday 29th October. Classes will be 3 hours in duration from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. There will be breaks from class for the Easter week and for a few weeks over the summer.

No prior growing / horticultural experience is necessary. This course is the perfect introduction for anyone interested in organic growing practices, who would like to learn how to grown their own fruit and vegetables.

This course is for adults aged 18 years and over.

All the details are here.

If you would like to pay for the course in 3 installments please email Jo and this can be arranged. (Jo@laurelbankfarm.org)

Cancellation Policy: The course is not refundable once the class has started, so please think carefully before signing up to the class. Thank you.