Join experienced horticulturist and permaculturist, Justin Calverley as he introduces you to the world of small farm planning and urban farming. This regional course combines 8 sessions including an introduction to permaculture, soils, propagation, fruit trees and more. This course runs from 9am - 3pm and is held at Chesterfield, Newtown, Geelong and has limited places.

Justin's The Urban Farmer book is now the course text, a copy of which is included in your course fee.

Session Outline:

Session 1 Introduction to permaculture principles

Composting, worm farming and fertilisers

Session 2 Organic fruit production

Session 3 Soils and their preparation

Session 4 Organic fruit and vegetable production

Harvesting and storage

Session 5 Propagation, seed collection and storage

Session 6 Chookcare

Session 7 Pest Disease and Weed Management

Session 8 Growing bushfoods and berries

*Session order subject to change

Trainer Bio:

Justin Calverley is a Horticulturalist and permaculturist with over 20 years experience and will be the lead trainer for the Urban Farmer course. He has extensive knowledge and experience in permaculture, garden design, organic gardening and native bushfood plants. He specialises in edible gardens and is an expert in fruit tree cultivation and pruning. For over 10 years Justin has taught workshops at CERES in sustainable gardening and permaculture. Justin was a regular broadcaster on 3RRR’s ‘Dirty Deeds”, is a presenter on Ch 31’s “ The Garden Tap and now author of The Urban Farmer”

Donna Livermore is an educator, biologist, permaculture & gardening teacher and community activator. She is passionate about living a life of good health, sustainable abundance and with a strong connection to the environment and local community. Donna has an on-going commitment to school education through her work in sustainability and biodiversity education.

With chickens, worms and a productive food garden in the front yard of her suburban block, Donna is reimagining what it means to live a good life in the city and shares this with others in her local community and through her Instagram page A Good Life in the City.

What you will learn

Permaculture principles interwoven throughout course
Expert tuition in a real environment
Hands- on skills

What you will get

Expert CERES Trainer providing hands-on practical experience balanced with theory
A copy of The Urban Farmer book
A toolkit of skills in urban farming

What to bring

Comfortable enclosed shoes/boots
Gardening gloves
Appropriate weather gear eg sunhat
Pen and paper
Lunch
Enthusiasm to learn and get your hands dirty’

What to wear

Casual with clothes you don't mind getting dirty; layers are recommended; sturdy footwear

Appropriate for

Those wanting to learn about urban and small farm gardening