Description
This course is an introduction to all topics within Husbandry, providing a basic understanding of the husbandry of our land and resources within it. For a deeper understanding, including consideration and application of your personal requirements and situation, please see our Foundation in Husbandry two-day course.
Husbandry is the practice of productively managing nature’s ecologies within your own boundaries and capabilities, whilst developing your personal relationship with your ‘bit of dirt’, be it a small yard, a garden or a larger piece of land. In so doing, we are addressing some of the most important aspects of our simple relationship as human beings with the earth.
Our Husbandry Skills courses offer a fascinating introduction to the philosophical, theoretical and historical aspects of husbandry whilst also providing real ‘hands-on’ experience – turning principles into practices that should serve you well in all the years to come.
By the end of the course you will not only be inspired by some new ideas and techniques, but also by ways of looking and seeing – plus you get to take home plenty of learning materials, including literally the seeds you sowed.
Course numbers are restricted to a maximum of 10 people so there will be plenty of time for your questions and one-to-one attention.
Course content includes:
- An explanation of the origins of husbandry in our culture
- Soils – what they are, and understanding their ecology
- Methods of building and adding to soils to improve and maintain fertility
- Water – Irrigation and drainage methods, and understanding the link between them
- Enclosing your land – hedges, fences and boundaries
- Handling and sowing seeds to take away with you
- Planting out of previously grown seeds
- Making your plants happy and productive using companion planting for weed and pest control
- World planting systems and how they can be used
Both the introduction and foundation courses will include;
Edible Flowers
Edible flowers have been used for centuries to flavour salads and various dishes as well as for their medicinal properties. Recently there has been a lot of interest in restoring these edible delights back into the kitchen. Learn about some long forgotten flowers and be amazed at what you can eat from your own garden and the beauty and flavour they can bring to your meals.
We will be exploring:
- Identifying and choosing edible flowers
- Learn about what to grow and how to grow it
- Harvesting and storing the crop
- Using edible flowers in salads and combining tastes and flavours
- Cooking flowers in the kitchen
- Making flower preserves, flower oils and petal sugars.
Garden Remedies
At the Husbandry School we use lots of natural methods to keep our plants healthy and reduce pests, including making natural fertilizers and tonics, companion planting and inventive ways to deter slugs! This part of the course will give you an insight into looking after your garden in an environmentally friendly way.
We will be exploring:
- Using plants to feed each other
- Making natural liquid feeds and tonics
- Pest control using plants and fibres (make garlic tea and slug rugs from sheep’s wool)
- Make your own hand scrub from plants in your garden (substituting plants for household products) and make a gentle scrub for your hard working hands
Husbandry Matters for the garden;
This part of the course looks at the ancient art of Husbandry and how its principles and practices can be adopted in your own garden. Learn how to plan future projects in a sustainable way, setting up good practice right from the start.
We will be exploring:
- Planning the space
- Companion planting
- Plant health
- Pest Control
- Plant Supports
- Garden Structures
Allotment Allies
This part of the course explores Husbandry principles and practices and how to apply them to your own allotment or garden, large or small. Learn lots of practical ideas to plan, structure and look after your veg patch, soil management and creative planting ideas.
We will be looking at:
- Looking after the soil
- Creating structures such as raised beds, arches and climbing supports from the plants themselves.
- Vertical cropping – making the most of the space available
- Companion planting for health and vitality
- Pest control – using plants
- Making the most of your space, growing from pots to plots
**Please Note**
Hot & cold drinks, biscuits, cake and fruit will all be provided, but we ask that all participants bring their own lunch.
When purchasing your ticket, please ensure you complete the form to make us aware of any health conditions or allergies as well as any additional support that you may need during your day with us.
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