Start your 2026 Growing Season - Sat 28th March

Perfect for Beginners and Advanced
€95.00

Description

📅 Date: Saturday 28th March 
⏰ Time: 10am-4pm
📍 Location: GROW HQ, Waterford

March is when the growing year really begins — and what you do now shapes everything that follows.

This practical, hands-on workshop at GROW HQ led by Richard Mee is designed to help you kick off your 2026 growing season with confidence, whether you’re sowing seeds for the first time or want better results from the space you already have.

We’ll cover:

  • What to sow now (and what to hold back on)

  • How to sow seeds properly for strong, healthy plants

  • The right composts, trays and conditions for success

  • How and when to prick out and transplant seedlings

  • How to avoid the most common early-season mistakes

You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next — and with seedlings already on their way.

Perfect for beginners, returners, and anyone who wants this to be their best growing year yet.

    What You'll Learn

    Choosing Compost and Equipment:
    Choosing a suitable compost in which to sow your seedlings
    Essential equipment and tools for successful organic gardening
    Sowing Under Cover and Direct into the Soil:
    Examine when sowing indoors and transplanting or direct into the garden is the best option
    Proper techniques for direct sowing seeds into garden beds
    Understanding the role of temperature, humidity, and light in seed germination
    Preparing Seed Beds in the Garden:
    Soil preparation techniques to create fertile, well-draining seed beds
    Choosing the right location for different types of crops in your garden
    Managing Your Seedlings:
    Techniques for nurturing seedlings to promote healthy growth
    Watering, and temperature considerations for seedling care
    Common issues and troubleshooting for young plants
    Transplanting:
    Proper timing for transplanting seedlings into the garden
    Techniques for minimising transplant shock and promoting root development
    The hardening off of seedlings

    What's Included

    Enjoy a delicious plot-to-plate mezze lunch overlooking the HQ Gardens (or in the garden if weather permits) and get the chance to meet and learn from fellow homegrowers. There will be coffee, tea and scones on arrival and a seasonal cordial for an afternoon pick-me-up.

    Also included is a copy of Mick Kelly's award-winning book, GROW, COOK, EAT for you to enjoy at home.

    About Our Head Grower, RIchard Mee

    Richard started growing at only 3 years old with his dad and since then has accumulated over 40 years of growing experience. He studied for a BSc in Horticulture at Reading University and an MSc in Organic Farming at the Scottish Agricultural College. In addition to the UK and Ireland, Richard has grown veg all over the world, including Central America and Africa.

    Important Info

    Please arrive 10 minutes before the course starts and come dressed appropriately for a day spent outdoors in the garden: sturdy footwear, rain jackets, suncream, etc.

    Cancellation Policy:
    We operate a 14 day cancellation policy. If you cancel your booking at least 14 days prior to the event you will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the date will not be refunded.

    Allergies:
    Please advise us of any dietary requirements and allergens when booking (email:allen@giy.ie) as we are unable to change the menu on the day.

    How To Book

    To reserve your spot, simply add this event to your cart and complete your purchase at checkout.

    After purchase, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address used at checkout. This email confirms your booking. No additional tickets, vouchers, or follow-up emails will be issued unless otherwise stated.

    If you don’t see the email, please check your spam or junk folder.

    Booking & Confirmation Details

    After purchase, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address used at checkout.

    This email confirms your booking. No additional tickets, vouchers, or follow-up emails will be issued unless otherwise stated.

    If you don’t see the email, please check your spam or junk folder.