This course is designed for experienced gardeners as well as those who are just getting started. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on practicals, that will enable gardeners to return to their gardens and implement the principles and techniques learnt as soon as possible.
The first two days of the six day (48 hours) course will be held on the 24th and 25th of February. Participants will then return to their gardens for a week and a half of observation, practice and implementation. On the 10th and 11th of March the participants will return to NGP to discuss their homework, observations and to learn more theory, techniques and practices. Participants will return for the third and final module on March 24th and 25th for remaining practical, course work and a certificate ceremony.
ABOUT PERMACULTURE FOOD GARDENS
An abundance of diverse foods are grown in a way that mimics the relationships observed in natural ecosystems. This means that the soil fertility is always enriched without need for chemical fertilizers, healthy plants grow in a balanced environment where chemical pesticides are not necessary and there are no negative effects on the environment or the people that consume the produce. We work with nature not against it, all the while conserving natural resources, water, money and a lot of time!
PERSONALISED TRAINING
Upon registration NGP will send you an electronic questionnaire. We will use the information provided as a guide to personalise the curriculum to best suit the needs of all stakeholders. It is strongly recommended that the questionnaire is filled with as much detail as possible by the main stakeholder (i.e. the garden owner, the employer, etc) with input from the gardener (if different).
ABOUT THE COURSE STRUCTURE
THEORY, DEMONSTRATION & PRACTICE
This course is designed for experienced gardeners as well as those who are just getting started. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on practicals, that will enable gardeners to return to their gardens and implement the principles and techniques learnt as soon as possible. The first two days of the six day (48 hours) course will be held on the 24th and 25th of February. Participants will then return to their gardens for a week and a half of observation, practice and implementation. On the 10th and 11th of March the participants will return to NGP to discuss their homework, observations and to learn more theory, techniques and practices. Participants will return for the third and final module on March 24th and 25th for remaining practical, course work and a certificate ceremony.
TOPICS COVERED
- Water saving and management
- Soil conservation, repair and fertility
- Green manures and composting systems
- Propagation techniques
- Organic and integrated pest management
- Seasonal planting calendar
- Overview of animals in the garden
- Diet diversity and nutrition
- Food forests and orchard
COURSE LANGUAGE
The course will be conducted in English with full Chichewa translation.
COURSE DATES AND TIMES
Classes will begin at 8:00am sharp every day.
- Thursday 24th & Friday 25th Feb. 2011; 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Thursday 10th & Friday 11th March 2011; 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Thursday 24th & Friday 25th March 2011; 8:00am to 4:30pm
OPTIONAL PRE-COURSE SITE VISIT
NGP staff are available to conduct a site visit to your garden and to discuss with you the food, health, and nutrition requirements for you and your family. If you are sponsoring a staff member for the course we highly recommend that both you and your staff member are available for the personal consultations. We feel strongly that this will increase the effectiveness of the course and help facilitate a design which will turn your goals and expectations into reality.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion and with full attendance, participants will receive a certificate of attendance which highlights the main areas of competency.
COURSE COST
Listed below in USD, and also payable in ZAR, GBP, or MK at bank rates of exchange.
- $240 per person, includes lunch and two snack breaks per session
