There are many magical moments in the gardener’s year.   The first sweet tender peas podded straight into your mouth, a just-picked cherry tomato eaten wrapped in a basil leaf, or the first asparagus sliced fresh from the ground. This one day course, centring on the Veg Patch, will be dedicated to helping you make the most of your patch, be it large or small. 

We’ll take you on every step of the journey from plot to plate, showing you how to plan and prepare your plot, how to sow and care for your plants, as well as giving you some ideas about how to get the most from your harvest. There’ll be some indoor time to cover the theory, along with practical outdoor sessions.

The morning will start by helping you decide what to grow on your plot, what to prioritise, things to consider. There’ll be an overview of the fundamentals of growing your own so that everyone has the grounding to make a success of their patch. We’ll look at the basics that are behind successful growing on any scale – including soil management, sowing and planting, watering, feeding, and pest control.

There’ll be a tour of the River Cottage Kitchen Garden to see how we’ve put the principles into practice. You’ll see the different methods we use to grow vegetables and herbs, taking advantage of small spaces, vertical opportunities for climbers, created raised beds, used interplanting, and take away tips on applying them to your patch, whatever its size.   You’ll also have the chance to see how a polytunnel, greenhouse or even a window sill can extend your growing season and provide the perfect place to start off many of your crops.

You’ll find out about the importance of choosing the right varieties, maximizing your growing season, ensuring continual harvests, and sourcing what you need.  The River Cottage Garden Team will also be on hand throughout the day to answer any questions you have about establishing and maintaining your patch.  

So whatever your situation, however limited your time, money or space, you’ll finish the day equipped with all you need to make the best of your veg patch.

Veg Patch is for everyone, and whether you have an acre of this green and pleasant land, an urban allotment or a high rise windowsill, you too can grab your share of the harvest.

Please note that Hugh does not attend this event

Location: This course is run from River Cottage H.Q on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of H.Q. will be provided once you have booked.

Wine/drink: We are a licensed venue. We also have a Bring Your Own policy and we do not charge corkage. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines. We will be serving Elderflower cordial and iced water from our own well.

Accommodation: If you need local accommodation, click here for a list of hotels and bed & breakfasts, recommended to us by our customers. We don’t have camping facilities ourselves, but for information on local campsites and self catering accommodation, call the Lyme Regis Tourist Information Office on 01297 442 138. They will be very happy to help.

Age: We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12yrs of age and upwards. Under 16?s must be accompanied by an adult. We put these guidelines for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.

Time: 10am-5pm