Food Growing Training – EcoLocal

Gardening Fundamentals: 10 week evening course – FULLY BOOKED

Trevor Lancefield — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:30:00 +0000

Discover the joy of gardening, a creative hobby that’s accessible to everyone, even without your own outdoor space. Just a little time in nature each week brings lasting benefits to your mind and body. Join our expert tutor on this inspiring course, where you’ll explore everything you need to become a confident and successful gardener. From pruning and pest management to garden design and plant propagation, each session covers essential topics.

Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, this course will unlock the secrets of professional gardeners, helping you fully enjoy this rewarding pastime. Perfect for those starting out or considering further qualifications!

Held at: The Garden Hall, EcoLocal, The Lodge, Carshalton SM5 3NX

Date: next course date to be announced

Time: 7pm-9pm Price: £210

FULLY BOOKED

Please email info@ecolocal.org.uk to put your name down for this course. We will then let you know when we announce the date to give you early opportunity to book.

Fruit Tree Pruning: Saturday 24th January 2026 – FULLY BOOKED

Trevor Lancefield — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:24:00 +0000

Find out about pruning fruit trees in the winter months in our one day workshop.

Free standing apple and pear trees should be pruned in winter when they are dormant, to keep them productive and control their size. If you are new to pruning, or not feeling very confident, join us on this popular, hands-on winter pruning workshop to find out how to successfully prune your trees.

Led by our RHS qualified & experienced tutor, you will learn to:

– Prune spur and tip bearing apples and pears
– Regenerate old trees
– Improve tree health
– Encourage fruiting
– Use and maintain pruning tools

With lots of information to take away, this workshop is designed to get you pruning with confidence!

Held at: Carshalton Community Allotment, SM5 2PW
Date: Saturday 24th January 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3pm
Price: FULLY BOOKED

Currant Growing & Pruning: Saturday 28th February 2026 – FULLY BOOKED

Trevor Lancefield — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 07:05:00 +0000

Currants (including blackcurrants, gooseberries, redcurrants and jostaberries) may be small, but they pack a real nutrition punch. Rarely found in supermarkets, currants are easy to grow and, with the right care, can give excellent yields of fruit over many years. Their bright jewel colours add a zing to many recipes!

Led by our RHS qualified, experienced fruit grower and tutor.
– Learn about types of currants, planting, training and pruning
– Practical experience in winter pruning a variety of currant bushes
– Common pests & diseases and how to reduce damage without resorting to chemical sprays

Whether you have currants already and would like to know how best to take care of them, or you are wondering where to start, there will be something for you in this popular winter workshop.

Held at: Carshalton Community Allotment, SM5 2PW
Date: Saturday 28th February 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3pm
Price: FULLY BOOKED

DISCOUNT: This workshop is complemented by our half day Summer Currant Pruning workshop on June 20th (normally £29). Book both workshops now for a combined discount price of (£60).

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email food@ecolocal.org.uk . We will email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk

Spring Propagation: Saturday 28th March 2026 – FULLY BOOKED

Trevor Lancefield — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 15:35:00 +0000

The art of plant propagation is as old as civilisation. With techniques learned and adapted from nature, we can save money and have more of our favourite plants, with enough left over to share with friends.

In this one-day beginners’ workshop we will cover a range of techniques that can be undertaken as the days of the new year start to lengthen.

You’ll learn about:

Indoor and outdoor seed sowing of flowers and vegetables
Softwood cuttings
Layering of shrubs and climbers
Division of bulbs and herbaceous perennials

With lots of information and a practical grounding in the basics, this workshop will help new gardeners fill their plots with flowers and vegetables in the months ahead.

Held at: Ecolocal, The Lodge, Honeywood walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX. Within the grounds of Carshalton Ecology Centre, by the ponds.

Date: Saturday 28th March 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3pm
Price: FULLY BOOKED
To go on a waiting list in case of a cancellation space for this workshop please email info@ecolocal.org.uk

Organic Lawn Care: Saturday 18th April 2026

Trevor Lancefield — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Discover the secret to a healthier, greener lawn – naturally!

Our organic lawn care workshop has been exclusively designed to give you the knowledge to maintain a lush, vibrant lawn without the chemicals.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving your current patch, our expert will guide you toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly lawn.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about:
– repairing and renovating your lawn
– choosing the correct grass varieties
– managing moss and weeds
– getting creative with the look of your lawn
– the essentials of spring rejuvenation and autumn preparation

Held at: The Garden Hall, EcoLocal, The Lodge, Carshalton SM5 3NX
Date: Saturday 18th April 2026
Time: 10.30am-3pm
Price: £39

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email us – see email link below. We will then email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk

Organic Food Growing Course: starts Saturday 25th April 2026 – FULLY BOOKED

Trevor Lancefield — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:47:00 +0000

If you are just starting out, or would like to get some more detailed knowledge of organic food growing, then this course is for you. Over 6 weeks you will learn everything you need to know to confidently grow your own fruit and veg. including:

Preparing your growing area the organic way
Planning what to grow including crop rotation
Planting techniques
Taking care of your plants without chemicals
Organic techniques and feeding your soil
Harvesting and storing produce

Don’t just take our word for it! Previous students have said:

“Patient instructor….with a mix of practical and theory” ”Lots of aspects covered”

“The whole course was fantastic. It was informative and well delivered”

Over the six weeks you will get hands on experience as well as theoretical knowledge and the support of an experienced tutor.

The practical learning will be taught outdoors face to face on the community allotment (see address below). Every alternate session will teach the theory elements of the course live online via Zoom.

Held at: Carshalton Community Allotment (Access between 33-35 Colston Avenue) SM5 2PW and online.

Start date: course starts on starting Saturday 25th April 2026

Time: 10.30am-12.30pm

Price: FULLY BOOKED

Booking: Book NOW using the button below

If you would like to be added to the list to contact in case anyone cancels please email food@ecolocal.org.uk . We will email you to confirm your space if available.

Microgreens and Sprouting: Saturday 30th May 2026

Trevor Lancefield — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:00 +0000

Microgreens are plants at the seedling stage and classed as a superfood because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients! You’ll be amazed how many different vegetables and herbs can be eaten as microgreens; from pea to sunflower shoots, garlic chives and nasturtium.
Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in water where you can eat the entire root system which is so nutritious and full of flavour!
This workshop explains the differences between microgreens and sprouts, their health benefits and teaches you how to grow both at home.
• Practical session
• Microgreens Grow Your Own kit to take home
• Taste lots of samples, buy seeds and more
• Q&A, tips and advice

This workshop is run by Hamsey Greens, a regular trader at our Wallington Farmers’ Market

Held at: The Lodge, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Price: £27.00

Book NOW using the button below

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email us – see email link below. We will then email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk

Summer Currant Pruning: Saturday 20th June 2026

Trevor Lancefield — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:37:00 +0000

Join our horticultural tutor for a half-day workshop on the summer pruning techniques for all your gooseberries, red and white currants.

Summer pruning rewards your efforts with healthier, more productive currant bushes that give better quality fruit without using up too much of the plant’s resources. Mid-summer is the ideal time to do your summer pruning, and our short, practical workshop will give you the skills and confidence you need to tackle your own fruit garden.

The perfect companion to our popular winter currant pruning course, our friendly and knowledgeable tutor will guide you through the techniques for summer pruning these nutritious fruits.

With full instructions provided and lots of information to take away, this workshop will enable you to nurture your currant bushes and grow bumper harvests for years to come.

The course takes place outside, so come prepared for the great British summer!

Held at: Carshalton Community Allotment (Access between 33-35 Colston Avenue) SM5 2PW.

Date: Saturday 20th June 2026

Time: 10am – 1pm

Price: £29

Booking: Book NOW using the button below

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email food@ecolocal.org.uk . We will email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk

Natural Perfumery: Saturday 20th June 2026

Trevor Lancefield — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:59:00 +0000

Learn the art of making natural perfume!

Immerse yourself in a beautifully sensory day of creativity, scent, and discovery. Set within the tranquil Garden Hall at EcoLocal—a peaceful and inspiring space—this hands-on natural perfumery workshop with Tanya Moulding, also known as The Perfume Mistress, offers a rare opportunity to explore fragrance in its most authentic form.

You’ll be guided through the fascinating origins and history of perfume, while learning how natural fragrances are structured and classified. Through expert-led exercises, you’ll train your sense of smell, deepen your understanding of botanical ingredients, and uncover the subtle art of blending.

Expect an engaging, interactive experience with plenty of time for sampling, discussion, and experimentation using a carefully selected palette of premium essential oils and plant extracts. Tanya will guide you step-by-step through the creative process, helping you craft a scent that feels both personal and luxurious.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created your own bespoke 10ml natural perfume to take home—a unique, wearable expression of your individuality and connection to the natural world.

Held at: The Garden Hall, EcoLocal, The Lodge, Carshalton SM5 3NX
Date: Saturday 20^th June 2026
Time: 10.00am-3pm
Price: £75 includes materials to make your own perfume and refreshments

Booking: Book NOW using the button below

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email food@ecolocal.org.uk . We will email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk

Climate Resilient Garden Border: Saturday 26th September 2026

Trevor Lancefield — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:19:00 +0000

Creating a beautiful garden border that stands up to the challenges of climate change is no small feat. With everything from scorching summers to flooding winters, we need our garden borders to be resilient as well as stunning all year round. So, how do we design and maintain a border that not only survives but thrives in such conditions?

Led by our RHS qualified tutor, you’ll learn:

techniques for ‘successional’ planting to maintain year-round colour
how to improve your soil to ensure your plants thrive
how to choose plants for difficult situations
tips and tricks for being water wise
about some of the new climate-change pests and diseases

Join our one-day workshop for a wealth of information and practical examples on creating a beautiful, enduring garden border that will delight for years to come.

Held at: The Victorian Walled Garden, Ecolocal, The Lodge, Honeywood walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX. Within the grounds of Carshalton Ecology Centre, by the ponds.

Date: Saturday 26^th September 2026

Time: 10.30–3.00 pm – FULLY BOOKED

Price: £39.00

Booking: Book NOW using the button below

If you have any problems with the booking or payment process please email food@ecolocal.org.uk . We will email you to confirm your space.

For further questions/details please email: food@ecolocal.org.uk