Plants have always been grown for many purposes— food, fiber, fertility, insectary, nectary, climate, flowers, privacy, and more. In this workshop, we will explore the mysteries of the garden. We’ll discuss the intensive soil preparation for close planting and continuous cropping, and the growth and care of fruits and vegetables & orchard ecosystems.

You will gain invaluable knowledge on the establishment, as well as the ongoing maintenance of a thriving backyard system. We will demystify the workings of an abundant backyard - from soil biology to health management. This is something anyone with space and desire can do, given knowledge and a commitment to observe the teachings from natural systems.

We will be spending time on the design for productivity, as well an experience of place. Some call it edible landscaping and production for much or all of the year! An abundant grower knows that producing fruit is not about manipulating nature but more importantly, fostering nature.

Join us for 3 days of hands-on learning, tips and tricks on how to grow genuinely incredible backyard fruit & veggies using serious backyard techniques. This class is divided between classroom and time in the garden. You will leave this course with a competent working knowledge of how to begin the journey to improve your veggie garden, as well as seeds, planners and lots of resources.

In this course you will learn:

Vegetable garden design, and placement
Plants and seasons
Soil relationships
Nutrient cycling for the backyard – worms, compost, compost teas
Applying strategies for a healthy soil in a backyard context
Garden ferments – witchy brews to improve garden health
Raising great seedlings
Preparing garden beds for planting
Developing garden to-do lists + crop rotations for serious backyard abundance.

This workshop runs across 3 Saturdays from 9am - 4pm each day. The dates are Saturday the 11th and 18th January and 1st February, 2025.

About the facilitator

Michael Wardle, founder of Savour Soil Permaculture, is passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture and permaculture design. With a deep-rooted passion for nurturing the Earth and fostering regenerative ecosystems, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work. Through Savour Soil Permaculture, he aims to empower individuals and communities to cultivate thriving landscapes that provide abundant food and restore ecological balance. Michael's holistic approach and innovative strategies have earned him recognition as a practitioner in the field, inspiring others to join him in the journey towards a more harmonious relationship with nature.