Veganic Food Growing Course Online

Want to learn to grow your own food in a systematic and resilient way without chemicals or animal inputs?

Already grow food, and want to build your confidence and better understand the whys and why nots of veganic (plant-based and organic) food growing?

In these live online courses you will learn the principles and practice of veganic food growing, so that you can grow your own fresh produce to the highest ethical standards without chemicals or animal inputs.

The teaching weaves in soil science, botany, ecology, permaculture and the complex politics of food, land access and animal rights.

Above all, the courses are intended to inspire self-sufficiency, community resilience and food system change, helping you to take back control over your food and health, in a system that is dominated by mega-corporations.

Course structure

The courses are designed as two standalone 4-week blocks that build on from each other.

The first 4 weeks comprise Introduction to veganic food growing.

The latter 4 weeks comprise Designing your own veganic growing space.

The courses are modelled on a well-established accredited qualification, taking you through all of the key foundations of veganic food growing.

The courses are designed to be interactive, with lots of opportunities for sharing, discussion and Q&A.

The courses are structured in 2 parts so that you can choose the most appropriate option for your knowledge/experience level and availability. If you are new to the topic, or to benefit from the full learning experience, it is advisable to attend the full 8 weeks. However, for those unable to commit to the full 8 weeks, this structure offers the option to sign up to only one of the above parts.

Dates and session topics

The courses will be held over 8 Wednesday evenings, 7 - 9pm (UK time or GMT+1) between September and October 2026.

Introduction to veganic food growing - 4 weeks

Wednesday 9th September - Soil - Learn about different types of soil, how to assess your soil, and how to work with it effectively

Wednesday 16th September - Composting - Learn about the essentials of good compost making and different composting systems

Wednesday 23rd September - Seed Sowing & Propagation - Learn best practice in seed sowing and plant propagation, choosing / making the right planting medium, after care and seed sovereignty

Wednesday 30th September - 'Weeds' & Wild Plants - Learn how to identify and work with wild plants effectively

Designing your own veganic growing space - 4 weeks

Wednesday 7th October - Crop Families & Rotation - Learn about the major crop families and how to design your own crop rotation

Wednesday 14th October - Fertility & Green Manures - Learn about how to meet the fertility needs of your plants without chemicals or animal inputs

Wednesday 21st October - Rethinking 'Pests' & Diseases - Learn about chemical-free methods for working with the life found around you and increasing biodiversity in the growing space

Wednesday 28th October - Managing Water & Site Design - Learn about how to manage water wisely, adapt to a changing climate and create an effective design to make the most of your space

Each session will start at 7pm and finish at 9pm (GMT+1)

Online delivery

The course sessions will be held online via an online video hosting platform on Wednesday evenings, between 7pm and 9pm, September - October 2026.

A login link will be provided ahead of the course start date.

The sessions will also be recorded and emailed to participants after each session, though this should be not considered a replacement for live participation.

Cost

Each of the two courses costs £80 for 4 sessions or £160 for all 8 sessions.

There are also a small number of concession places at £60 for 4 sessions or £120 for all 8 sessions. For more information on these please contact hello@nourishthewild.co.uk

The Vegan Organic Network also offer bursaries to study veganic food growing, including this course. Details of the bursary fund can be found here: https://veganorganic.net/bursary-fund/ 

Please click the 'select tickets' option or email hello@nourishthewild.co.uk to register your interest in the course or for any queries. We will then contact you with further details and to finalise booking and payment.

Tutor

The course is run by Than Gunabalasingham of Nourish the Wild CIC. Than is an experienced horticultural educator having taught accredited City & Guilds Level 1 food growing courses for OrganicLea, an veganic market garden and learning provider in East London, and The Orchard Project, a national orchard charity, on their well-established Level 3 courses in Community Orcharding. He also delivers plant walks and workshops on climate resilient food growing, forest gardening and wild food plants.

Feedback from previous courses

"5+. Fantastic teacher! Incredibly inspiring."

"Than is passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, hard not to learn from him. Amazing!"

"Very engaging tutor. Able to communicate with passion. Excellent blend of theory and practical."

"Excellent, informed, passionate and relatable teaching. There are lots of things I will remember from taking part today."

"Amazing - really thorough and knowledgeable some of the best teaching I've had across various traineeships + horticulture training I've done - loved it."