Leitrim gardeners invited to learn how to grow from scratch at one-day course

A new course at Leitrim’s Organic Centre is set to help new learners get on the road to growing independently.

‘Start a garden from Scratch,’ with Ingrid Foley, will take place on Saturday, February 21 at the centre in Rossinver.

Ingrid Foley has 25 years of gardening and teaching experience and is no stranger to guiding those new to the gardening world. Ms Foley will support learners as they build their confidence.

There has always been a keen interest in gardening in Ireland, with Bord Bia’s ‘Gardening in Ireland’ study in 2017 revealing that over 1.3 million Irish people, from almost 1 million households, garden on a regular basis. This increased again during Covid, with Bord Bia reporting a surge of 50 percent in sales of gardening products and plants.

Recognition of the benefits of growing for relaxation and food security is set to continue, but not everybody feels they have the confidence to know where to start.

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“If you are keen to grow your own organic vegetables but are a bit daunted by the process then this course is an ideal springboard to get you started,” said Ms Foley.

During the course, Ms Foley will guide students through the basics of garden set-up and structure.

Topics will include the basic principles of organic gardening; how to assess your site and soil to choose the optimal spot for growing; bed preparation; soil fertility management; crop planning; and the principles of crop rotation.

Practical sessions will include a hands-on assessment of soil, an introduction to the essential tools needed to get started, and a seed-sowing session, with sowings to take home.

“Going through the basics of garden setup will give you structure, direction, and most of all the confidence to launch you on your vegetable growing journey!” she said.

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The course takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 4pm at a cost of €100. The course can be booked online at theorganiccentre.ie.

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