discover online Gardening classes

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of permaculture and gardening courses are available?

  +

  We offer a diverse range of courses covering beekeeping, fruit tree pruning, composting, worm farming, native plant gardening, cheesemaking, and comprehensive programs like the Complete Urban Farmer Course. Courses combine theory and practical components, with options for both in-person workshops at Edendale Farm and online sessions. Classes range from single-session introductions to multi-week programs, accommodating different experience levels from complete beginners to those seeking advanced skills.

• What materials and equipment are typically included in course fees?

  +

  Most courses include materials needed for the workshop. For example, the Beekeeping Workshop includes a wooden beehive frame with beeswax foundation and a $5 discount on recommended textbooks. The Feta, Halloumi and Ricotta Cheesemaking Workshop provides 20% discount on cheese-making kits and equipment purchased on the day. The Complete Urban Farmer Course includes Justin Calverley's 'The Urban Farmer' book as course text. The Rainforest Terrarium Making Workshop includes all materials, grazing food, organic wine and fairtrade tea. Discounted worm farms and compost bins are available for purchase at relevant workshops.

• How are practical skills taught in these courses?

  +

  All courses combine theory with hands-on practice. For instance, the Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop includes both theory on why and what to prune, plus demonstrations in the orchard. The Beekeeping Workshop features live bees and honeycomb in a secure exhibition cabinet alongside discussion of hive management. The Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheesemaking Workshop guides participants through making cheeses from scratch, then tasting the products created during class. The Worm Farm workshop covers both indoor theory sessions and on-site viewing of working worm farms. Instructor expertise varies from Justin Calverley with 30+ years of horticulture experience to specialists like Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher in fungi ecology.

• Are courses available online or only in-person?

  +

  We offer both formats. Online options include the Setting up a Worm Farm ONLINE (one hour via Zoom), Home Composting for Beginners ONLINE, Growing Native Food Plants, and several masterclasses on topics like resilient garden design and fruit tree care. In-person workshops are held at Edendale Community Environment Farm, with outdoor components weather-dependent. Online participants receive Zoom links prior to sessions, and many online courses offer recordings available for three days after the live session for registered participants.

• What is the typical class size and duration of courses?

  +

  Class sizes vary based on format. The Beekeeping Workshop is limited to 8 participants to maintain an informal interactive format. Most single workshops run 1.5 to 4.5 hours, with options like the Summer Fruit Tree Pruning (theory and practical in one session) and Working with Water (4.5 hours with lunch break). Multi-week programs like the Complete Urban Farmer Course span 14 sessions from August to December. Online sessions typically run one hour. This range allows participants to choose based on their available time and depth of learning desired.

• What should I bring to in-person gardening workshops?

  +

  Most in-person workshops require outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. The Summer Fruit Tree Pruning and Winter Fruit Tree Pruning workshops specifically require gardening gloves, a hat, and sharp clean secateurs. The Beekeeping Workshop recommends wearing a hat and sunscreen as well as outdoor footwear. For The Fungus Amongst Us walking workshop, comfortable shoes and a magnifying glass are recommended. Some workshops note that weather is fine, outdoor activities may be included, so participants should prepare accordingly. Contact venues directly for specific preparation requirements for your chosen course.