Richard wearing a grey bucket hat and a light purple t-shirt harvests green and orange tomatoes from a vine in a greenhouse.
A shot of the GROW HQ polytunnels surrounded by vegetables growing in the ground.
A group of people outdoors at GROW HQ with Richard.
Beginners | Growing Course

An Introduction to Polytunnel Growing | Multiple Dates Available

£82.00
Description

Dates Available: Saturday 6th February | Saturday 16th October
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: GROW HQ, Waterford
Tutor: Richard Mee

Winter is the ideal time of year to put in a polytunnel to grow crops that you can't grow outside in Ireland and extend your growing season at both ends. But where do you start?

By the end of this one day course with Head Grower at GROW HQ, Richard Mee, you'll leave confident, ready to take your growing and crop cultivation skills to the next level. Join Richard and learn all the tips and tricks to polytunnel growing and enjoy your own organic, homegrown food all year round. 

What You'll Learn & Experience

  • Siting, ventilation and temperature management
  • Watering and irrigation basics
  • Crop rotation and companion planting suited to tunnels
  • Common pest and disease identification
  • Building a seasonal sowing calendar for tunnel growing

What to Expect on the Day

Please arrive on time to settle in, meet your fellow participants and get ready for a full day of learning. Richard will take you out to the GROW HQ gardens where the polytunnels are. Richard will lead the session which will include some light hands-on experience.

What's Included

Enjoy tea or coffee on arrival before a full day of learning with Richard in the polytunnel. You’ll also enjoy light refreshments, and a delicious homemade GROW HQ lunch.
You'll Learn

Choice of Tunnel:
Richard will teach you all there is to know when it comes to choosing the right Polytunnel, looking at design, dimensions and construction, ensuring your investment aligns perfectly with your goals

Siting and Positioning a Tunnel:
Polytunnel positioning? Richard has it covered. He'll talk you through getting the optimal positioning for your polytunnel

Bed Layout:
Maximise your growing space with expert guidance on designing efficient and productive bed layouts. We'll show you how to make the most of your polytunnel's square footage for a lush and diversified yield

Tunnel Rotations:
Understand crop rotation within your polytunnel to maintain soil health and ward off pests and diseases. Efficiently manage your planting schedules and ensure a year-round harvest

Soil Management:
Healthy soil, healthy crops! Learn the keys to nurturing healthy soil that supports vigorous plant growth

A Range of Crops for Your Tunnel:
Find the right crops for your tunnel and learn how to make them thrive. From tomatoes to peppers and everything in between, we'll help you choose the best crops for your space

Managing Tunnel Pests and Diseases:
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to keep your polytunnel thriving while fending off common pests and diseases
About Your Tutor

Richard has been growing since the age of three, learning alongside his dad and building over 40 years of growing expertise ever since. With degrees in Horticulture and Organic Farming, he’s grown crops across the UK, Ireland, Central America and Africa. As our Head Grower, Richard brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep passion for organic growing, from nurturing food for his family to producing crops commercially in his polytunnel. For Richard, growing isn’t just what he does – it’s who he is!
About GROW HQ

Opened in 2016, GROW HQ is the multi-award winning home of GIY. It includes a 50-seat plot-to-plate cafe, organic urban farm and shop, and education centre for growing and cooking. Conveniently located on the Dunmore Road opposite Ardkeen.
Important Information

Please arrive 10 minutes before the course starts and come dressed appropriately for a day spent outdoors in the garden.

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.

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:hello@growhq.org) as we are unable to change the menu on the day.
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