Learn how to manage an allotment in harmony with nature, using climate-adaptive and organic gardening techniques on this one-day short course at CAT.

This course focuses on the end of the growing season with the spring course exploring spring-time seasonal skills.

Whether you’re new to growing or already have plenty of allotment experience, this one-day short course offers practical skills and ecological insights to help you run a productive and sustainable allotment. Led by CAT’s fantastic gardens team, you’ll explore how to care for soil, plan your growing space, and support biodiversity throughout the seasons.

Key Information

• Duration: one day
• Upcoming dates:

  • Spring – 11 April 2026
  • Spring – 22 April 2026
  • Autumn – 3 October 2026
  • Autumn – 14 October 2026

• Start and finish times: starts at 9.30am and ends at 4pm
• Course cost: £65 – includes lunch, tuition and all materials
• What to bring: sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing – this is a hands-on course in the gardens
• Terms and Conditions: you must be 18 years or over to attend our courses.

  • You must be 18 years or over to attend our courses.
  • For full list of terms and conditions click here

What you will learn

Spend the day in CAT’s beautiful allotment gardens learning how to grow food sustainably and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

You’ll gain practical experience and take away knowledge to apply in your own plot or community growing space.

Topics covered include:

• Autumn/Winter soil care 
• Testing and exploring green manures, mulches, leaf mould collection and use
• Autumn planting of winter crop choices
• Autumn/Winter irrigation
• Composting through the colder months
• Selective tidying and habitat creation
• No dig methods and biodynamic principles
• Supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems

You’ll get hands-on with soil mixes, seed sowing, planting out, and irrigation techniques, while exploring how to plan for the seasons ahead and manage your allotment year-round.

Tutor Details

Veronica has been CAT’s Gardens Ranger since 2021. Bringing a holistic approach to gardening, Veronica’s passion for creating thriving, biodiverse outdoor spaces that are accessible to all is infectious, and her courses are filled with a wealth of practical, seasonal gardening knowledge.