A day course to enthuse and inform you of easier and time saving ways to grow great food.

There is now plenty to see in the garden, almost fully planted. We check progress of various experiments, including the two beds of dig/no dig. Undercover, the polytunnel is full of summer vegetables, and many seedlings are still being propagated in the greenhouse.

You will learn a vast amount in one day, about all aspects of growing for food, and gardening generally. These courses open the door to your growing more food in less time, and with more enjoyment.

Part of the course is about compost making, using the examples of my composting process here. Which ingredients are good to use, in what proportions, how big a heap to have, whether it needs to get hot, how long to leave it and whether turning is worthwhile. Then a look at assessing the readiness of compost, when to spread it and how to deal with the weed seeds.

In addition, we look at other types of compost and the best ones to buy, plus how long you may or may not need to keep them in a heap before spreading.

I explain the details of surface composting to feed both soil and plants for a whole year, in one dressing and with no other plant feeds needed.

In the greenhouse I demonstrate the value of becoming skilled at propagation, how little space you actually need to grow hundreds of plants at a time, and thousands over the season (should you need to!). We look at module trays, compost, sowing methods and suggest best timings.

You learn time saving tips in many aspects of growing, from watering and plant care, to less weeding, and increased harvests in relation to the time and space given. Yield per square metre is a key goal, to save time and effort.

The no dig approach underpins all my courses and has experienced a huge surge in interest over the past year. It is the most fantastic and simple way to care for soil and all its inhabitants. They repay you by helping the growth of healthy plants, with less pest and disease to worry about.

Nonetheless there are often birds, insects and rabbits wanting our food: I show ways to prevent damage. For example, you will see the use of fleece covers for early plantings, which speed growth as well as keeping pests off.

Homeacres courses are an opportunity to learn from an acknowledged master of his craft, in a group of no more than twelve people. We have taken a number of steps to ensure a Covid safe environment for our course attendees, please email [email protected] for more details.