Timing of garden related events is critical to successful gardening. This workshop provides the knowledge you need to plan the timing of planting, watering, pruning and pest control. We explore different methods of record keeping and how to use the information you capture, to be a better gardener. Look to nature for clues as to what to do and when to do it. Discover the secrets to growing that elusive Christmas tomato and sow some seeds to take home and have a crack at growing your own.

Topics covered:

Local and annual weather patterns of Victoria
Seasonal influences in the garden
Planning your vegetable patch planting and other garden activities
Nature based indicators and indigenous calendars
Gardening diaries and other records

The class involves a combination of theory in a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities including:

A tour of my 6-acre property to observe and discuss seasonal influences
Sowing tomato seeds for spring planting
Demonstration of my record keeping processes and how I use this data to become more efficient

By the end of the class you will have a greater understanding of the importance and influence of seasonality in the garden. You will have the skills and practical knowledge to start recording your observations and know how to use them to improve your gardening success.

Another great session - already bought my rain gauge…thought I was making observations in my garden but this was very comprehensive …enjoyed it as usual

Carol C.

Workshop Participant

What to Bring:

Enthusiasm for learning
Your lunch
Water bottle
Notebook and pen
Closed toed, practical shoes (consider bringing gumboots)
Appropriate clothing as Kyneton can be cold and wet in winter

"Lots of ah-ha moments. I particularly enjoy the scientific framework that informs the workshops. Digestible and relevant information that is easy to apply in the home garden.”

Lynne F.

Workshop participant

About the facilitator

I’m Duncan Cocking and I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables since I was four years old. I support others to grow food and reconnect with nature through my business Leaf, Root & Fruit. I'm passionate about reconnecting you to nature via gardening. I write about growing food and living sustainably. I'm a cool-temperate gardener and permaculture educator with 12 years of experience hosting workshops.

During my classes, I focus on the science behind how gardens grow. This gives you an understanding of the built-in resilience of plants. Rather than always finding problems to fix with sprays and other products, you will have a renewed focus on relaxing, observing your garden, and enjoying it. Understanding “why” minimises the amount of work you have to do in your garden.

“Fabulous workshop. You know your material so well and are able to deliver it in easily digestible form. I learned things I didn’t realise I needed to know. I loved having the science explained to counter some of the gardening folklore I’ve accepted without questioning…”

Wendy P.

Workshop participant

About the facilities

In 2019 my young family and I moved from Melbourne to make a tree change to Kyneton, a small town 80 km north-west of the city in Victoria, Australia. Since then, I have been busy developing a permaculture-inspired garden ecosystem.

The property has an onsite classroom, with heating supplied by a wood burner. A split system acts as a back-up source of heating and cooling. The light filled, colourful classroom is kitted out with a large screen for running presentations (I promise that these presentations are almost entirely pictures and rarely contain words). The classroom has basic tea and coffee making facilities, ample car parking and a dedicated toilet.

My demonstration orchard contained within a netted enclosure provides opportunities for workshop participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees, and contains many examples of espaliered trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting.

Participants from all over the state attend our workshops. I look forward to hosting you at this exciting event.

Cancellation Policy:

If the workshop cannot go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances then an alternative date will be scheduled and participants will be given the option to attend on the new date or accept a full refund. Otherwise, to maintain viability of these workshops, there are strictly no refunds. Thanks for your understanding.

Garden Planning: Seasonality and Timing