������ҹ��������

Delivered by Klaus Laitenberger, this course runs one day per month from February to October 2026. This ten-day gardening course offers a unique, hands-on learning experience across the various gardens, polytunels and glasshouses onmthe ������ҹ��������'s 100 acre farm. Participants will learn how to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruit. 

Each session will combine: 

• Seasonal garden walks- observing what's happening in the various gardens, grow spaces, polytunnels and one acre greenhouse
• Practical gardening- participants will establish a course garden from scratch, transforming a plot of ground into a productive organic garden 
• Thematic sessions- a focused two-hour module each month, blending theory and practice on key organic gardening topics

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.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand the principles of organic growing
• Gain confidence in planning and managing organic vegetable and herb gardens
• Introduction to soils
• Practical ground preparation – no –dig, digging, lazy beds, Huegelbed etc
• Soil improvement – composting/green manuring/other inputs
• Practical seed sowing and other propagation methods (cuttings, division, layering etc)
• Acquire practical skills for sustainable, low-impact food production
• Develop knowledge of growing and using medicinal herbs for home health
• Pruning of top and soft fruit throughout the season
• Crop planning and rotation – how much to grow and making a sowing plan Individual crop requirements
• Growing in Polytunnels and Greenhouses
• Organic weed control – weed identification, hoeing, mulching, flame weeding, hand weeding, stale seedbed technique
• Organic pest and disease prevention – throughout the seasons we will identify common pests and diseases and show methods and techniques on how to prevent them
• Plant care – training, pruning, side-shooting etc for a range of crops
• Harvesting and storing vegetables

About the Tutor: 

Klaus Laitenberger is an organic grower, author, and educator with decades of experience in sustainable food production. He has worked as an advisor and teacher at Ballymaloe Organic Farm School and as a tutor at the Irish College of Herbal Medicine in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. Klaus has written several books on organic vegetable growing and has inspired thousands of gardeners through his courses, books, and media appearances. 

Each student will recieve a signed copy of Klaus' book "Vegetables For the Irish Garden" which will used as the primary textbook for the course.

Course Dates:

Thursday, February 12th 

Thursday, March 12th

Thursday, April 16th 

Thursday, May 7th 

Thursday, June 4th 

Thursday, June 25th 

Thursday, August 20th 

Thursday, September 3rd

Thursday, October 1st

Thursday, October 29th 

Course Elements: 

• Indoor and Outdoor Classroom Learning
• Practical project work across the organic farm, gardens and glasshouse
• Q&A sessions throughout the days as we review each session and put theory into practice

Good to Know:

• The course is held at ������ҹ��������’s Organic Farm and Gardens in Shanagarry, Co. Cork P25 R274
• Tea, Coffee and fresh sourdough will be served from 8.30am each course day so please arrive early to register, meet other students and get ready for a busy day of hands on learning
• As we’ll spend time walking and learning around the farm please bring suitable clothing and footwear - and allow for changeable weather!
• Lunch included

Additional Information

Eligible participants working in Ireland can avail of a generous cost reduction on this course through our course partners Rural Food Skillnet. Book directly through the RFS Trainee Profile Form: Growing Organic Vegetables, Fruits & Herbs with Klaus Laitenberger –  to avail of the discount and join the course for just €1170. Once you sign up and pay the reduced rate through RFS they will notify us, and you will be all set for the course starting on Feb 12th! 

Please note – to qualify for the RFS funding, participating businesses must be a private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland. Sole traders are eligible as participating businesses.