Beginners | Growing Course

School Garden Success | Multiple Dates Available

Engaging Children Through Growing Food
£82.00
Description

Dates Available: Friday 12th March | Sunday 26th September
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: GROW HQ, Waterford
Tutor: Mary Bishop

A school garden is so much more than a place to grow vegetables. It’s an opportunity for children to discover where food comes from, connect with nature and develop skills that last a lifetime.

School Garden Success: Engaging Children Through Growing Food is a practical, one-day course for teachers, educators, school garden coordinators and volunteers who want to create a thriving school garden and make outdoor learning part of the school day.

You’ll learn how to plan seasonal growing activities, establish simple garden routines and use practical classroom strategies to engage children of different ages. With tips for successful school gardening and hands-on learning, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to nurture curiosity, encourage responsibility and help children build a lasting connection with food and the natural world.

What You'll Learn & Experience

  • Learn to plan a growing calendar around the school year
  • Low-maintenance crop choices for term-time
  • How to engage classes in planting and harvesting
  • Linking growing activities to curriculum topics
  • Building confidence for staff and volunteers with limited experience

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. You’ll head outdoors into the GROW HQ garden for hands-on learning and group discussions led by Mary.

What's Included

Enjoy tea or coffee on arrival before a full day of learning, with demonstrations, and hands-on growing. You’ll also enjoy light refreshments, a delicious homemade lunch at GROW HQ, and a copy of Mick’s book, GROW COOK EAT, to take home.

Suitable for:

This course is perfect for primary school teachers, secondary school educators, SNAs, garden coordinators, parents, school caretakers, community volunteers and anyone supporting children to grow food and learn outdoors.

The course is held at GROW HQ, Farronshoneen, Dunmore Road, Waterford City, X91 NX30

Please note:

If a school is paying for your place and requires an invoice, please email hello@growhq.org. We'll reserve your place while the invoice is processed. 
You'll Learn

In this course, we’ll explore:
How to create a successful school garden routine
Practical ways to manage groups and outdoor learning environments
How to engage children of different ages and learning styles
How to turn gardening jobs into educational opportunities
Ways to keep students involved, motivated and excited about growing
How to plan your garden around the school calendar and seasonal growing cycles
Tips for maximising growing opportunities during term time
How to connect gardening with wider curriculum areas
How to build a culture of care, responsibility and teamwork around your garden
About Your Tutor

Born into a farming family in Australia, Mary has been GIYing for as long as she can remember! Her passion for fresh, homegrown food has travelled with her around the world, from apartment backyards and city courtyards to the stony soils of Monaghan, where she’s now bringing fertility back to the earth. As our Head of Education, Mary also brings a wealth of experience in inspiring children and young people to get growing.
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

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.

If a school is paying for your place and requires an invoice, please email hello@growhq.org. We'll reserve your place while the invoice is processed.

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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