A new series of vegetable growing classes for small-scale market gardeners aiming to increase production by using sustainable organic practices, and backyard gardeners who want to take their knowledge to the next level, is being offered by SAGE NSW in Moruya from September to December.
Participants will learn how to short cut the journey to growing food efficiently and economically, and avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. Bookings can be made for all five one day and two-day classes in the masterclass series at a discounted price, or they can be booked individually.
“Our aim is to support and encourage the success of potential and existing gardeners and small-scale growers,” said Alison Walsh - SAGE educator.
“The presenters have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are committed to teaching practical, relevant and useful skills and the small class sizes guarantee a personalised and hands on approach for all shapes and sizes of vegetable growing enterprises,” said Alison.
The classes will be held at Moruya at the SAGE Garden and Stepping Stone Farm and presenters include:
Joyce Wilkie - SAGE Stepping Stone Farm educator and manager, Fraser Bayley - Old Mill Road BioFarm, and
Alison Walsh - SAGE educator and long time home gardener.
Lesson topics in the Masterclass series cover organic market gardening, garden design, bed preparation, plant management, maintenance and propagation, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest care.
Also on offer are six Friday afternoon sessions during the growing season. These can be booked individually and will cover - growing tomatoes, eggplants, and capsicums; hoeing techniques; growing herbs; pruning and trellising Solanaceae; soil testing; and the Chicory Family.
Image: Fraser Bayley talks about growing with last year’s students - Denise Bashall, Sandra Makdessi, Pamela Argall, Ian Bashall, Shauna Moses, Karen Ryan, and Megan Hughes. Image by Helen Okley - used with permission.
