Urban Food Gardening

This popular course will introduce you to a range of topics in sustainable and organic food gardening.  
 
This course is ideal for people who love gardening and the outdoors, are considering a career in horticulture, would like to learn more about growing their own food successfully or who would like an introduction to aspects of working in the industry before choosing a specific course/study pathway.

This is an entry-level course, so it is designed for participants with no prior knowledge or experience in horticulture.
The course involves participating independently in practical, hands-on activities both in- and outdoors.

Dates: Mondays 3 February - 31 March 2025 (8 sessions, no session Labour Day)

Time: 10am-2:30pm

Location: Edendale Community Environment Farm, 30 Gastons Rd, Eltham VIC 3095

Government-subsidised funded - $155 enrolment fee ($105 enrolment fee and $50 amenities fee)

You are eligible for a government subsidised fee if you are a permanent resident and/or Australian or New Zealand citizen who is not enrolled in mainstream secondary school. Please note we will need to sight your Green Medicare card to confirm your eligibility.

Concession card holder - $94 enrolment fee ($44 enrolment fee and $50 amenities fee)

This fee is available to people who hold any of the following:

• Commonwealth Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Veterans Gold Card.

Please note we will need to sight your card to confirm your eligibility. 

Full Fee or Third Party payment - $441 enrolment fee / $397 concession enrolment fee.

This fee is for participants who are either:

• under 17 years of age
• are not eligible for funded enrolment
• receive funding from other sources (for example NDIS).
• have participated in the same course in the same year.

Please note: if under 17 years of age and disengaged from school, participants will need to obtain an official Transition from School Form for us to sight.

Withdrawals and refunds

Refer to our Enrolment Terms and Conditions for information about withdrawals and refunds in our courses.

Justin Calverley is a Horticultural expert with over twenty years’ experience.  His passion for the natural world began as a young inquisitive boy who never wanted to ‘come inside for dinner’ and has since developed into a rich and fulfilling career in horticultural design, construction and education.

Justin’s unique style, detailed knowledge and hands-on approach have become highly sought after on the presentation and public speaking circuit from Councils, Schools, training organisations and media. Justin’s consultation and design services are in high demand from novice to experienced home gardeners as well as private businesses such as nurseries.

Justin specializes in Horticultural Education, facilitating Horticultural and Permaculture workshops and presentations across Melbourne and country Victoria.  

Justin is a lead trainer in adult education at the award winning CERES Environmental Park, where for the past 10 years he has presented workshops on topics ranging from fruit and vegetable production to Bush foods, garden design to sustainable gardening, and more.

Working as a team with fellow participants, you will gain a broad overview and practical, hands-on experience in topics such as:

• soil types
• no dig gardens
• nutrients and fertilisers
• composting and worm farms
• vegetables and seasons
• pests and disease

You will spend time outdoors (getting your hands dirty!) under the leadership of an experienced trainer and horticulturalist, along with time in the classroom. On completion of this course, participants will be equipped with an overview of horticulture with an emphasis on sustainable organic food production. Sustainable organic food production is a growing industry in Victoria and participants will become familiar with the Horticulture industry standards regarding OHS.

People completing this course may go on to certificate/qualification courses in areas such as horticulture or permaculture.

It is essential that participants wear suitable clothing for working in an outdoor environment:

• Sturdy workboots

• A broad-brimmed hat

Please also bring:

• a drink bottle
• lunch
• a snack/morning tea if desired
• notepad and pen.

There is a small fridge where you can store your lunch for the day.

Enrol here

or express your interest below for future workshops or other horticulture courses.

Expressions of Interest 2025

If you are a concession card holder you will need to present your concession card at one of our centres prior to the start of the course in order to be eligible for the concession fee.