One-Day Course on Organic Vegetable & Fruit Growing
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.
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.
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.
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
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 herb growing 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.
Course Details
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
Cost: €115 to IFA members (RRP €190)
Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Location: Core College, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
Membership Access
Access to IFA Countryside training courses is an exclusive member benefit. If you are not yet a member, joining means you can take part in this course and other subsidised training opportunities.
🐝 Members can book the course here.
☎ For questions or support: 0818 924 982
Organic Vegetable and Fruit Growing: One-day Course
If you are interested in this course, please complete the expression of interest form.