Organic Vegetable and Fruit Growing: One Day Course

IFA Countryside presents this one day course available exclusively to members at Core College, Kilkenny

Discover the joy and skill of growing fruits and vegetables organically

Interest in organic food growing continues to grow across Ireland as more people look for ways to produce healthy, nourishing food while caring for the soil and environment. This practical one-day course offers a wonderful opportunity to learn the principles of organic vegetable and fruit growing in the beautiful Core College Organic Gardens in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.

The day combines hands-on garden practice with expert teaching from two experienced organic growers, Klaus Laitenberger and Heiko Klee. Participants will gain practical skills and confidence in growing vegetables and fruit using organic methods that support long-term soil health and productive gardens.

This hands-on course is suited to anyone planning to start a food garden and includes practical teaching on compost making, seed sowing, and how to avoid common pests and diseases. It also covers the growing of fruit bushes and herbs, giving participants a rounded introduction to producing a range of useful crops at home.

In addition, the course includes guidance on crop planning, crop rotations, and choosing the crops best suited to a smaller garden space. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with gardening gear so they can take part fully in the practical elements of the day."

What the course covers

During this one-day practical course, you will learn how to prepare your garden for strong, healthy vegetable and fruit growth.

We will explore what organic growing really means in everyday practice, including the importance of living soil and simple ways to improve fertility through composting and mulching. The course also covers seasonal planning, crop choices, and straightforward sowing and planting techniques that help ensure successful harvests.

Who this course is for

This day is suitable for:

• Beginners starting their first garden

• Home gardeners wishing to improve results

• Anyone interested in growing healthier food naturally

• People looking for more sustainable growing methods

Whether you are starting from scratch, hoping to increase yields, or simply looking for a more natural way to grow food, the day is designed to be practical, supportive, and inspiring.

What you will take away

By the end of the course, you will:

• Understand the key principles of organic vegetable and fruit growing

• Learn how to build healthier, more fertile soil

• Gain confidence planning and planting a productive garden

• Leave with practical steps for growing food through the seasons using organic methods

the course includes guidance on crop planning, crop rotations, and choosing the crops best suited to a smaller garden space.

🧑‍🌾Participants are encouraged to come prepared with gardening gear so they can take part fully in the practical elements of the day.

Your Teachers

Klaus Laitenberger

Author of three gardening books and a regular contributor to Irish Garden magazine, played a central role in creating the Core College gardens. He is widely known in Ireland for his passionate teaching and commitment to organic growing and soil health.

Heiko Klee

A horticulturist with over a decade of experience, Heiko has spent the past seven years focusing on medicinal herb cultivation in Ireland. He leads the development of the College’s medicinal herbgrowing project, with a strong focus on organic methods suited to the Irish climate.

Join us for an inspiring day in the gardens and learn how to grow abundant, healthy food using organic methods.

Membership Access & Eligibility

Access to IFA Countryside courses is an exclusive benefit of IFA Countryside membership.
This course is open to IFA and IFA Countryside members.

If you are not currently a member, joining is straightforward and offers a wide range of additional benefits including comprehensive insurance. Membership of IFA Countryside costs €80 per year. By completing this form, a member of the IFA Countryside team will be in contact to discuss membership options.

For further information, contact IFA Countryside on 0818 924 982.