Description

Maybe your grandma told you tomatoes and basil are friends? While peas and chives are bad neighbours? Gardeners have been making observations about plant associations for centuries, but we don't often question why or whether these associations actually work. This workshop will demystify companion planting by looking at the basic principles of how plants interact with each other, with the soil, and with the good and bad insects in your garden. We'll discuss the permaculture concept of 'plant guilds' and how to diversify your garden to reduce pests and diseases. Herbs are often ideal companion plants in the vege patch and are some of the most rewarding and easy plants to grow. We'll get hands on with annual and perennial herbs growing in the gardens here at CERES and talk about how to propagate, position, plant, and maintain a number of different herb species. By gardening with an ecosystem approach we can take advantage of the natural favourable plant associations that help keep our vegetable gardens and fruit trees healthy and productive.

Trainer Bio:

With many years working as a primary teacher, community development worker and horticulturalist, Carol combines these three passions by running school garden programs with Cultivating Community and facilitating adult workshops at CERES. Drawing garden wisdom from permaculture principles, conventional horticulture and chats with elderly neighbours, she loves sharing her enthusiasm for everything connected with growing and learning in natural environments. Carol is studying a Master of Urban Horticulture at Melbourne University (Burnley) majoring in urban food production.

What you will learn

Improve your gardening skills
Learn about plant associations, annual and perennial herbs
Pests and diseases

What you will get

Companion planting chart
Herb cuttings and seeds

What to bring

Note pad and pen

What to wear

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear