Learn to Grow
A 12 month course following a year with Holme Grown Eastby year and learning how to grow and nurture.
To book, please contact us at education@holmegrowneastby.org.uk
About Us
Holme Grown Eastby was born out of our community. Our 4 -acre site was not planned – it truly evolved through the efforts of our local volunteers. We now have a thriving community growing space with ‘a little bit of everything’ going on, and over 40 regular volunteers. It brings happiness to those who come to share in what we do. Now, nearly six years on, we are offering an opportunity for others to learn from some of the things we do. Our 12-month Growing Course is designed to go at the pace of the seasons – it’s deliberately slow, as growing takes time, and that’s a luxury to be enjoyed.
Why run this course?
The world is unstable right now, and it can often feel like we are powerless to really do much that makes a difference. At Holme Grown Eastby, we decided to combat some of these worries, by looking at what might be possible to do, however small, because doing something is usually better than doing nothing. There is always something ‘to do’ on site. Growing our own produce has led to our popular local subscription scheme, and plenty for our volunteers and other local groups to enjoy. We are providing a real option for people to buy local, chemical free produce without packaging and food miles. Our mantra has always been, ‘if we (as amateurs) can do this on a fairly exposed plot (200m above sea level) on the edge of the Dales, given a bit of guidance, most people should be able to.’ We want to encourage people to give growing a go and to support them through the year to help them feel confident to make this an ongoing part of life. The more people that are food resilient, the better.
Who is it aimed at?
There are two groups of people who may be interested, and we can support both….
1. Individuals who are looking to grow their own produce, and use it well.
2. People who may be looking to set up their own community growing, however small. There are 5 fully funded spaces for people wanting to do this – please get in touch.
When will be run?
Fridays 9.30-14.00 – allowing for a half hour lunch break
22/01, 19/02, 12/03, 23/04, 21/05, 18/06, 16/07, 20/08, 17/09, 15/10, 19/11, 10/12
There may be a date you can’t do, which is unfortunate, but we cannot change the dates. We can’t refund missed dates, but would be happy for someone to come in your place as a one off, if this helps.
What will it be like?
As with everything we do on site at Holme Grown Eastby, it will be a positive experience – even when the weather is too wet or too dry, or the slugs munch the lettuce, or the seeds don’t germinate. It really is the learning through doing that is so fulfilling and there are likely to be far more positives to shout about.
The group will be capped at 10 people – enough to create a supportive group, but not too big that anyone is overlooked.
Learning will take place on site at Holme Grown Eastby, in our new Hive workshop building, the outdoor kitchen and in various growing spaces around the site.
Learning will be geared towards supporting your own growing spaces, however big or small. There will be some ‘theory’, but as much practical ‘doing’ as possible. You should be able to take what we learn on a given date and continue through the month on your own plots. We’ll take you through how we approach reusing and repurposing things to help grow in a sustainable way – like using toilet roll tubes to plant seeds.
We’ll cover a full range of topics that should give you a foundation level in many of the critical aspects of growing including:
No dig – create a bed, sowing and planting skills, seeds, weeds and weeding, pests and diseases, harvesting, composting, storing and preserving, organic matter, green manure, under cover growing, spacing – interplanting, watering, crop rotation, companion planting, seed saving, simple recipes, potions for home and body, community, and wellbeing. More topics are bound to come up as we go through the year together.
Do I already need experience and skills?
This is a course for beginners, to support you through your first proper year of growing. A bit of background knowledge is always good, but if you are already fairly used to growing, it’s probably not for you.
Would I need to have my own tools and equipment?
Because we’ll be working on site at Holme Grown Eastby we can access all their tools and equipment to be able to do any of the practical elements of the course. We have facilities on site including teas and coffees, but please bring your lunch on the session dates, and make sure that you have appropriate coats, boots etc for the weather on the day!
Who will lead the course?
Abby, one of the Directors of Holme Grown Eastby, an ex-History teacher and project manager. Veg grower for about 12 years – not an expert, but a self-educated enthusiast with 5 years of growing at scale under my belt! Supported by other members of the Holme Grown team, on different dates. Some external guests on occasion.
Cost
£540 per person
This covers the full cost of the 12 month course, a reference book and includes any of the materials that you might need at each of the sessions (seeds, compost etc). Given the investment we’re making in the course we would prefer if you would prefer full payment upfront, but if that is a barrier, then please let us know and we can try and work out how to help spread that financial commitment.