Tucker Patch Workshops 2019
February: Wicking Technique (1) – Saturday February 16
March: Wicking Technique (2) – Saturday March 23
April: Building an IBC Wicking System: Saturday April 27
June: Propagation – Saturday June 15
July: Growing Fruit & Nut Trees – Saturday July 20
August: Plant Guilds & Companion Planting – Saturday August 17
September: Growing Berries – Saturday September 21
October: Growing Natives (include germination) – Saturday October 19 (TBC)
November: Identifying & Treating Plant Deficiencies – Saturday November 16 (TBC)
March: Wicking Technique (2) – Saturday March 23
April: Building an IBC Wicking System: Saturday April 27
June: Propagation – Saturday June 15
July: Growing Fruit & Nut Trees – Saturday July 20
August: Plant Guilds & Companion Planting – Saturday August 17
September: Growing Berries – Saturday September 21
October: Growing Natives (include germination) – Saturday October 19 (TBC)
November: Identifying & Treating Plant Deficiencies – Saturday November 16 (TBC)
Growing Berries Workshop - Saturday September 21
I bet you remember tasting those sweet, juicy berries when you were a kid and everyone knew what you had been up to when your fingers and lips were stained. I sure do. Come along to The Tucker Patch and let Marnie show you how to grow you own delicious berries in your own patch, all chemical free.
Plant Guilds and Companion Planting Workshop - Saturday August 17
Hope you can make it to our next workshop on Saturday August 17, which is all about 'Good Companions' – Plant Guilds and Companion Planting. These simple and effective gardening techniques ensure your plants work together harmoniously to achieve the most productive results, at the same time minimising damage by pests and diseases. Presented by Marnie, this workshop will set you up for success in your spring vegie patch.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, on Saturday August 17 from 10am–12pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Please book at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday August 15 or call 0484 001 390 for more information.
Please bring your own drinking water, plus notebook and pen to take notes.
Please note: We require a minimum of 10 attendees for this workshop, so book early to make sure it happens!
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, on Saturday August 17 from 10am–12pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Please book at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday August 15 or call 0484 001 390 for more information.
Please bring your own drinking water, plus notebook and pen to take notes.
Please note: We require a minimum of 10 attendees for this workshop, so book early to make sure it happens!
'Scraps to Soil' Composting Workshop - Saturday October 19
Tucker Patch is hosting a MidWaste (MidCoast Council) 'Scraps to Soil' composting workshop on Saturday October 19 from 1pm–3pm. Attendees will receive either a compost bin & aerator or a worm farm + worms. Cost is $20 and the council needs a minimum of 15 participants for the workshop to go ahead. Please register directly on the website: www.midwaste.org.au/composting.
Growing Fruit & Nut Trees Workshop - Saturday July 20
Who doesn’t love the idea of harvesting your own fresh fruit and tasty nuts from the garden? This workshop, run by certified horticulturalist, Marnie Johnson, will provide a bounty of information to get you on the right track to growing your own delicious, healthy fruit and nuts.
The workshop will cover:
• What varieties of fruit and nut trees grow best in the Gloucester area
• Where to source your seedlings or small trees
• When is the best time to plant
• Preparing the ground and the trees for planting
• Planting tips
• Feeding, watering & mulching
• Pests, diseases and other problems
• Encouraging fruiting
• General care and maintenance
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, on Saturday July 20 from 10am–12pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members.
Please book at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday July 18 or call 0484 001 390 for more information.
Please bring your own drinking water, plus notebook and pen to take notes.
Propagation Workshop - Saturday June 15
Plant propagation is the process of growing new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, and other plant parts.
Learn some great tips from Marnie and see how well you will master this process
WHERE: Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Road
WHEN: Saturday June 15 from 10am-11.30am
COST: Tucker Patch Members $15, Non-members $25
BOOKINGS: Gloucester Health Food Shop by 5pm Thursday June 13, book in early as spaces fill very quickly.
For more information call 0484 001 390
Building a wicking bed from an IBC
Our recent Wicking Workshops were hugely successful in providing step-by-step instructions on setting up a range of sizes of wicking containers, and an introduction to using a large industrial bulk container (IBC) to grow larger quantities of produce.
Come along to our next workshop for an in-depth demonstration on how to build one of these larger systems from scratch for a more effective and water-efficient way of growing your favourite vegies.
The workshop, run by experienced wicking devotee Ken Johnson, will take you through the building process from start to finish, detail all the equipment you will need to complete the task, and answer any questions you may have.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch on Saturday April 27 from 11.15am and go for approximately four hours with a break for a BYO lunch. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Please book at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday April 24, or call 0484 001 390.
What to wear/bring: BYO lunch and beverage, drinking water, comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, and a notebook and pen if you wish to take notes.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Come along to our next workshop for an in-depth demonstration on how to build one of these larger systems from scratch for a more effective and water-efficient way of growing your favourite vegies.
The workshop, run by experienced wicking devotee Ken Johnson, will take you through the building process from start to finish, detail all the equipment you will need to complete the task, and answer any questions you may have.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch on Saturday April 27 from 11.15am and go for approximately four hours with a break for a BYO lunch. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Please book at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday April 24, or call 0484 001 390.
What to wear/bring: BYO lunch and beverage, drinking water, comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, and a notebook and pen if you wish to take notes.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Repeat Session by Popular Demand!
Marnie’s Wicking Workshop: Misty Ridge,
Saturday March 23, 11.30–1.30
Our recent Wicking Workshop was a big success, with so many attendees we had to close off bookings. Unfortunately this meant that some keen people missed out. So for those and others who couldn’t attend we are running a repeat session on March 23, starting at 11.30am.
Bring along your own packed lunch, as well as water, a hat, comfortable shoes and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Tea and coffee will be provided.
So for those who’re not familiar with wicking, what exactly is it? Basically it’s a way of successfully growing vegies and other plants using very little water. Wicking beds are also easier to maintain than traditional garden beds, use less space, and it’s easier to control the growing environment.
How does it work? Wicking beds water plants from below the surface rather than from above. Moisture is drawn up through the soil via a process called capillary action or wicking. This allows moisture to be more evenly distributed through the soil, creating better growing conditions for the plants – and you use much less water in the process.
This workshop, run by certified horticulturalist, Marnie Johnson, will take you through the process step-by-step, including all the equipment you will need to get started.
The workshop will take place at Marnie’s organic farm and nursery, Misty Ridge, 2142 Gloucester Tops Rd, on Saturday March 23 from 1.30am–1.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday March 21 or if you’re from out of town book now and pay on the day.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Saturday March 23, 11.30–1.30
Our recent Wicking Workshop was a big success, with so many attendees we had to close off bookings. Unfortunately this meant that some keen people missed out. So for those and others who couldn’t attend we are running a repeat session on March 23, starting at 11.30am.
Bring along your own packed lunch, as well as water, a hat, comfortable shoes and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Tea and coffee will be provided.
So for those who’re not familiar with wicking, what exactly is it? Basically it’s a way of successfully growing vegies and other plants using very little water. Wicking beds are also easier to maintain than traditional garden beds, use less space, and it’s easier to control the growing environment.
How does it work? Wicking beds water plants from below the surface rather than from above. Moisture is drawn up through the soil via a process called capillary action or wicking. This allows moisture to be more evenly distributed through the soil, creating better growing conditions for the plants – and you use much less water in the process.
This workshop, run by certified horticulturalist, Marnie Johnson, will take you through the process step-by-step, including all the equipment you will need to get started.
The workshop will take place at Marnie’s organic farm and nursery, Misty Ridge, 2142 Gloucester Tops Rd, on Saturday March 23 from 1.30am–1.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday March 21 or if you’re from out of town book now and pay on the day.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Wicking Workshop - Saturday February 16
Save water with wicking!
What is wicking? Basically it’s a way of successfully growing vegies and other plants using very little water. Wicking beds are also easier to maintain than traditional garden beds, as it’s easier to control the growing environment, they use less space, and are easy to set up.
So how does it work? Wicking beds water plants from below the surface rather than from above. They're basically containers with water reservoirs at the base - like a giant self-watering pot. Moisture is drawn up through the soil via a process called capillary action or wicking. This allows moisture to be more evenly distributed through the soil, creating better growing conditions for the plants – and you use much less water in the process.
Very valuable information in this era of drought, climate change and water restrictions!
This workshop, run by our very own certified horticulturalist, Marnie Johnson, will take you through the wicking process step-by-step, including all the equipment you will need to get started, how to get your vegie seedlings going, and how to care of your plants from then on in.
The workshop will take place at Marnie’s organic farm and nursery, Misty Ridge, on Saturday February 16 from 10am–11.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday February 14 – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall by Friday February 15.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
What is wicking? Basically it’s a way of successfully growing vegies and other plants using very little water. Wicking beds are also easier to maintain than traditional garden beds, as it’s easier to control the growing environment, they use less space, and are easy to set up.
So how does it work? Wicking beds water plants from below the surface rather than from above. They're basically containers with water reservoirs at the base - like a giant self-watering pot. Moisture is drawn up through the soil via a process called capillary action or wicking. This allows moisture to be more evenly distributed through the soil, creating better growing conditions for the plants – and you use much less water in the process.
Very valuable information in this era of drought, climate change and water restrictions!
This workshop, run by our very own certified horticulturalist, Marnie Johnson, will take you through the wicking process step-by-step, including all the equipment you will need to get started, how to get your vegie seedlings going, and how to care of your plants from then on in.
The workshop will take place at Marnie’s organic farm and nursery, Misty Ridge, on Saturday February 16 from 10am–11.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Thursday February 14 – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall by Friday February 15.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Gardening in Gloucester Workshop - Saturday November 24
Everything you need to know about growing in Gloucester!
Poor soil, frost one week, hot sun the next … long dry seasons followed by extended periods of heavy rain – these are just a few of the challenges faced by gardeners in Gloucester.
Whether you want to grow fruit and vegetables, flowers, shrubs or trees – or all of the above – this workshop will help you to understand the current and changing growing conditions affecting the Gloucester area and give you the best chance of success.
It’s official: A CSIRO report confirms that Gloucester now has one month less winter and an extra month of summer (not spring or autumn...sigh!).
In recent years there have been significant changes affecting weather patterns, with more changes predicted.
With increasing temperatures, pests and diseases are on the increase. How can we combat these without the use of chemicals?
How can we improve our soil, both to boost the health and growth of our plants and to hold moisture?
Which plants and varieties will grow best in the Gloucester region? And how can we protect them from extreme variances and sudden changes in the weather?
These are just a few of the topics to be covered in this short course, presented by qualified horticulturalist and long-time local grower Marnie Johnson. Marnie has already presented myriad successful workshops on growing and gardening and is a wealth of knowledge and tips and tricks for a flourishing garden.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch on Saturday November 24 from 10am–11.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday November 21 – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall by Friday November 23.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest in a shady area, moving as required if it gets too hot; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Poor soil, frost one week, hot sun the next … long dry seasons followed by extended periods of heavy rain – these are just a few of the challenges faced by gardeners in Gloucester.
Whether you want to grow fruit and vegetables, flowers, shrubs or trees – or all of the above – this workshop will help you to understand the current and changing growing conditions affecting the Gloucester area and give you the best chance of success.
It’s official: A CSIRO report confirms that Gloucester now has one month less winter and an extra month of summer (not spring or autumn...sigh!).
In recent years there have been significant changes affecting weather patterns, with more changes predicted.
With increasing temperatures, pests and diseases are on the increase. How can we combat these without the use of chemicals?
How can we improve our soil, both to boost the health and growth of our plants and to hold moisture?
Which plants and varieties will grow best in the Gloucester region? And how can we protect them from extreme variances and sudden changes in the weather?
These are just a few of the topics to be covered in this short course, presented by qualified horticulturalist and long-time local grower Marnie Johnson. Marnie has already presented myriad successful workshops on growing and gardening and is a wealth of knowledge and tips and tricks for a flourishing garden.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch on Saturday November 24 from 10am–11.30pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday November 21 – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall by Friday November 23.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest in a shady area, moving as required if it gets too hot; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
How to grow the best tomatoes! Marnie’s Top Tips - Saturday 22 September
This Workshop, presented by qualified horticulturist, Marnie Johnson, will show you how to grow delicious, healthy tomatoes and other members of the deadly nightshade family such as capsicum, eggplant, chillies and potatoes, without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Among other things, the Workshop will cover:
• Soil preparation and soil pH
• Germination, propagation and grafting
• Fertiliser requirements
• Water requirements
• Getting your seedlings off to the best start
• Natural remedies for pest and diseases
• Support structures, such as cages
• Cheap and easy tips and tricks for success
• Harvesting and storage
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Saturday 22 September from 10am–11.30am. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB 18 September or Farmgate Stall by Friday 21 September.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Among other things, the Workshop will cover:
• Soil preparation and soil pH
• Germination, propagation and grafting
• Fertiliser requirements
• Water requirements
• Getting your seedlings off to the best start
• Natural remedies for pest and diseases
• Support structures, such as cages
• Cheap and easy tips and tricks for success
• Harvesting and storage
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Saturday 22 September from 10am–11.30am. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB 18 September or Farmgate Stall by Friday 21 September.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Workshop – Pruning and Care of Fruit Trees - Sat August 18 & Sat September 15,
Well, this has turned out to be a continuing workshop! Our first session in June gave us a great introduction to the principles of pruning in general - how and where to make cuts, what kind of shape we should be looking for, how we should be looking ahead for the long term in deciding what to cut and what to leave, how to maximise both the fruit and the health of the tree, and so on.
And we've already had our second session in July, just last Saturday, where we looked specifically at our pome fruits. Apples, pears, nashi and quince are pome fruits, grown from spring blossom and harvested from late summer through to late autumn.
There are still two sessions to come, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful presenter. So come along on the third Saturday of August to look at stone fruits, and the third Saturday of September for citrus.
Workshop presenter John Galagher has many years of gardening experience, and as well as instructing on pruning requirements of various types of trees, will provide insight into other kinds of care needed by these trees.
Saturday, August 18, 9:00–11:00am and Saturday September 15, 9:00am to 11:00am at the Tucker Patch. Book at the Gloucester Health Foods Store by Wednesday of the preceding week, or at the Farmgate on any Friday.
For more information, see our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this newsletter).
The cost is $15 for members or $25 for non-members. This cost covers all of the workshops, so if you have already attended one, the others are free. But still please let us know if you're coming, by calling Anne on 0484 001 390.
Make Your Own Delicious, Tangy Marmalade: Workshop – Tuesday July 31 2018
Can’t give your backyard citrus fruit away? Don’t let it go to waste! Come along to our productive workshop and learn how to make your own delicious marmalade, using a variety of citrus including oranges, mandarins, limes, lemons and grapefruit.
The workshop, hosted by Pat Burrows, will demonstrate the complete process of marmalade making, from sorting, washing and chopping the fruit, through simmering and setting, to sterilising, bottling and labelling.
The workshop will be held at the Uniting Church Kitchen at 5 Cowper St, arriving at 9.45am for a 10am start and finishing at approximately 2pm, with short breaks for morning tea and lunch.
Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members.
What to bring: BYO lunch (morning tea will be provided), water, an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes, and a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes. At the completion of the workshop you will take home a jar of lovely freshly made marmalade!
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Shop (bookings close COB Friday July 27), or at the Friday Farmgate Stall. If you have any questions please call Anne on 0484 001 390. Numbers are limited, so get in early and don’t miss out!
The workshop, hosted by Pat Burrows, will demonstrate the complete process of marmalade making, from sorting, washing and chopping the fruit, through simmering and setting, to sterilising, bottling and labelling.
The workshop will be held at the Uniting Church Kitchen at 5 Cowper St, arriving at 9.45am for a 10am start and finishing at approximately 2pm, with short breaks for morning tea and lunch.
Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members.
What to bring: BYO lunch (morning tea will be provided), water, an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes, and a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes. At the completion of the workshop you will take home a jar of lovely freshly made marmalade!
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Shop (bookings close COB Friday July 27), or at the Friday Farmgate Stall. If you have any questions please call Anne on 0484 001 390. Numbers are limited, so get in early and don’t miss out!
Follow Up Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop - Saturday 21 July
Some have expressed disappointment at being unable to attend the fruit tree pruning workshop that John Galagher ran last month, and which has been extended for two further sessions to cover trees requiring pruning at different times.
The followup workshops will be this coming Saturday, July 21 for stone fruits, apples and pears, and next month August 18 for citrus. Both workshops commence at 9am at the Tucker Patch.
For those who participated in the original workshop, there is no extra cost. For new participants, the usual cost of $15 per member will apply.
Please call Anne on 0484 001 390 to confirm your attendance.
Note also that this year's marmalade-making workshop is coming up on Tuesday July 31 - more information coming soon.
The followup workshops will be this coming Saturday, July 21 for stone fruits, apples and pears, and next month August 18 for citrus. Both workshops commence at 9am at the Tucker Patch.
For those who participated in the original workshop, there is no extra cost. For new participants, the usual cost of $15 per member will apply.
Please call Anne on 0484 001 390 to confirm your attendance.
Note also that this year's marmalade-making workshop is coming up on Tuesday July 31 - more information coming soon.
Pests & Diseases Workshop - Friday June 15, 1.30pm–3.30pm
Part 2: Ditch Those Diseases!
You’ve done the hard yards, planting your vegie seedlings out carefully, making sure they’re mulched, fed and watered … everything seems to be going along nicely until one day, you turn around and see your crops are wilting and dying before your eyes. You can’t find any nasty little insect pests attacking them – so what can it be? Answer: one of the many various diseases that can attack our plants if conditions are right.
This workshop, hosted by horticulturalist Marnie Johnson, will look at common plant diseases and nutrient deficiencies that affect your fruit, vegies and other plants in the Gloucester and mid-north coast area. It will teach you how to recognise them – and, even more importantly, what you can do about them. We will also have a hands-on session making some safe, simple and effective organic remedies to treat diseases and other problems such as:
• Nematodes • Bacterial diseases like blight & potato scab • Fungal diseases like azalea petal blight, rose black spot, citrus melanose, citrus scab, damping off, fusarium wilt, peach leaf curl, powdery mildew & septoria leaf spot • Viruses, including mosaic virus • Blossom end rot • Fasciation • Mistletoe • Nutrient deficiencies
This session will also include making recipes to treat pests, as covered in Part 1 of this workshop.
The workshop will kick off at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Friday 15 June at 1.30pm (meet at the green shed) and will continue at the Blueprint Café upstairs room*, finishing at approximately 3.30pm. Cost per session is $15 for Tucker Patch members and $25 for non-members.
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by 5pm Wednesday 13 June – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning (last date to book at Farmgate is Friday June 8).
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
* Note: The Blueprint Café room has no disability access.
You’ve done the hard yards, planting your vegie seedlings out carefully, making sure they’re mulched, fed and watered … everything seems to be going along nicely until one day, you turn around and see your crops are wilting and dying before your eyes. You can’t find any nasty little insect pests attacking them – so what can it be? Answer: one of the many various diseases that can attack our plants if conditions are right.
This workshop, hosted by horticulturalist Marnie Johnson, will look at common plant diseases and nutrient deficiencies that affect your fruit, vegies and other plants in the Gloucester and mid-north coast area. It will teach you how to recognise them – and, even more importantly, what you can do about them. We will also have a hands-on session making some safe, simple and effective organic remedies to treat diseases and other problems such as:
• Nematodes • Bacterial diseases like blight & potato scab • Fungal diseases like azalea petal blight, rose black spot, citrus melanose, citrus scab, damping off, fusarium wilt, peach leaf curl, powdery mildew & septoria leaf spot • Viruses, including mosaic virus • Blossom end rot • Fasciation • Mistletoe • Nutrient deficiencies
This session will also include making recipes to treat pests, as covered in Part 1 of this workshop.
The workshop will kick off at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Friday 15 June at 1.30pm (meet at the green shed) and will continue at the Blueprint Café upstairs room*, finishing at approximately 3.30pm. Cost per session is $15 for Tucker Patch members and $25 for non-members.
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by 5pm Wednesday 13 June – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning (last date to book at Farmgate is Friday June 8).
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
* Note: The Blueprint Café room has no disability access.
Pruning & Caring For Your Fruit Trees Workshop - Saturday June 23, 9am–11am
Winter is the best time to prune a range of fruit trees, including apples, pears, nectarines, peaches and more. Yet many people don’t know how to go about this important task – or perhaps they’ve been using the wrong techniques for years and wonder why their crops are not as bountiful and healthy as they could be.
This two-hour workshop, run by Tucker Patch’s own John Galagher, will provide practical, hands-on pruning experience in the Food Forest at Tucker Patch, so bring your secateurs and get pruning! You can then go home and put what you’ve learned into practice – and sit back and wait for those sweet and tasty crops a few months from now! John will also provide information on general care of your fruit trees and be happy to answer your questions.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Saturday 23 June at 9am (meet at the green shed) and will finish at approximately 11am. Cost per session is $15 for Tucker Patch members and $25 for non-members.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water, and your own secateurs.
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by 5pm Wednesday 20 June – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning (last date to book at Farmgate is Friday 22 June).
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
This two-hour workshop, run by Tucker Patch’s own John Galagher, will provide practical, hands-on pruning experience in the Food Forest at Tucker Patch, so bring your secateurs and get pruning! You can then go home and put what you’ve learned into practice – and sit back and wait for those sweet and tasty crops a few months from now! John will also provide information on general care of your fruit trees and be happy to answer your questions.
The workshop will take place at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Saturday 23 June at 9am (meet at the green shed) and will finish at approximately 11am. Cost per session is $15 for Tucker Patch members and $25 for non-members.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water, and your own secateurs.
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by 5pm Wednesday 20 June – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning (last date to book at Farmgate is Friday 22 June).
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Beat Those Bugs Workshop - Friday May 18, 1.30pm–3pm
Don't let those bugs ruin your garden come to the Tucker Patch workshop and find out how to use safe, simple, organic pest & disease control
Where: (meet at) Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd When: Friday May 18, 1.30pm–3pm Cost: Tucker Patch members $15, non-members $25 More info: tuckerpatch.com.au or ph 0484 001 390 Book at: Gloucester Health Food Shop by 5pm Wednesday May 16, or Friday Farmgate Stall by Friday May 11. |
Growing Winter Vegetables Workshop - Friday March 23
Don't let your vegetable plot stand empty and neglected over winter. There are loads of delicious winter vegetables you can grow throughout the coldest months. Just think of all those tasty and nutritious soups, stews, casseroles and roasts you can cook with your very own fresh vegetables straight from the garden!
Most winter vegetable plants are fully hardy and cope well with the cold winter weather, and if hard frosts threaten then you can always throw some extra protection around them. And most can be planted or sown directly outdoors to ensure that your winter vegetable garden is fully stocked. This short course will presented by trained horticulturalist Marnie Johnson and will teach you all you need to know about how to grow winter veg in cool to temperate zones, including soil preparation, nutrition needs, pest and disease control and protection from the elements. It will cover the top 12 winter veg including: Beetroot; Broad Beans; Cabbage; Carrots; Cauliflower; Chinese Broccoli and Cabbage; English Spinach; Leeks; Onions; Potatoes; Silverbeet and Turnips – and if time permits will look at more! The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Friday 23 March from 1.30pm–3pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by 5pm Wednesday 21 March – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning (last date to book at Farmgate is Friday March 16). What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest in a shady area, moving as required if it gets too hot; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed. For more information please call 0484 001 390 |
Asian Vegetable Workshop - Friday February 23
Asian vegetables are not only delicious and fun to experiment with in cooking – they are also highly nutritious and come in a huge range of types and varieties, including greens such as pak choi and bok choi, Chinese cabbage, Chinese celery, Chinese broccoli, Chinese spinach, mustard greens, snowpeas, watercress, radishes and shallots, edible chrysanthemum, mitzuna, coriander, garlic, lemongrass and more.
So if you’d like to add some variety to your diet, some zing to your cooking – not to mention some interest to your garden – come along to our Growing Asian Vegies Workshop and learn how to grow these tasty, healthy crops. The Workshop will be presented by qualified horticulturist Marnie Johnson, and will cover the Asian vegies that you can grow through autumn and winter. You will learn how to prepare your soil, choose the best aspect, when to sow and harvest, how grow your own seedlings, how to grow in extreme weather conditions and how to practice organic pest management. Marnie will also talk about the history and provenance of Asian vegetables – for example, did you know that Asian vegetables actually come from all over the world, including Israel, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Cyprus and the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. Marnie will discuss the commonly used vegetables from these parts of the world and how they are used in cooking. If time permits there will be a troubleshooting session where you can share your experiences and discuss your problems/successes – and if the weather is kind Marnie will have some Asian vegie seedlings for sale! The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd on Friday 23 February from 1.30pm–3pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday 21 February – or book and pay at Tucker Patch Farmgate Stall on a Friday morning. What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest in a shady area, moving as required if it gets too hot; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed. For more information please call 0484 001 |
TUCKER PATCH 2018 - WORKSHOP CALENDAR
‘How To Grow’ series of Workshops for 2018. For more information download
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Here in Gloucester we’ve just received a little welcome rain – but not nearly enough, and with a long, hot, dry summer approaching we’d all like some tips on how to keep our gardens healthy, looking good and being productive, without breaking the bank as far as water use goes.
The fact is, Australia is the driest continent on earth, and with the ever-increasing impacts of climate change, reduced water availability – not to mention the increasing cost of water – we need to learn how to manage our gardens differently and reduce the amount of water we use.
This Workshop, presented by local certified-organic farmer and qualified horticulturist, Marnie Johnson, will look at some of the methods developed, trialled and proven in the Gloucester area over the last 25 years – many of which will be new to you and which you will find invaluable for the foreseeable future.
For example, did you know that you can ‘train’ your plants to need less water? That there are simple techniques that you can use that will reduce your water use by up to 80%? That there are do’s and don’ts re using mulch?
Come along and find out more!
Topics will also include: • A snapshot of how Gloucester’s weather has changed over the last quarter-century and what to expect in the future • How much water do plants use – and how much do they really need? • Which plants to choose to reduce your water needs
• A range of simple, effective, low-use watering techniques to suit both large and small gardens, such as wicking beds • Improving water retention in your soil • How and why to use mulch • How to train your plants to become more drought-hardy • What pests become more prevalent during drought …. Plus lots more!
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Friday 20 October from 1.30pm–3pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday 18 October.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed
The fact is, Australia is the driest continent on earth, and with the ever-increasing impacts of climate change, reduced water availability – not to mention the increasing cost of water – we need to learn how to manage our gardens differently and reduce the amount of water we use.
This Workshop, presented by local certified-organic farmer and qualified horticulturist, Marnie Johnson, will look at some of the methods developed, trialled and proven in the Gloucester area over the last 25 years – many of which will be new to you and which you will find invaluable for the foreseeable future.
For example, did you know that you can ‘train’ your plants to need less water? That there are simple techniques that you can use that will reduce your water use by up to 80%? That there are do’s and don’ts re using mulch?
Come along and find out more!
Topics will also include: • A snapshot of how Gloucester’s weather has changed over the last quarter-century and what to expect in the future • How much water do plants use – and how much do they really need? • Which plants to choose to reduce your water needs
• A range of simple, effective, low-use watering techniques to suit both large and small gardens, such as wicking beds • Improving water retention in your soil • How and why to use mulch • How to train your plants to become more drought-hardy • What pests become more prevalent during drought …. Plus lots more!
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Friday 20 October from 1.30pm–3pm. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday 18 October.
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to take away at the end of the session. For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed
Growing Healthy Disease-Free Tomatoes (And Their Relatives) Workshop
Friday 1 September from 10am–12pm, with a repeat session on Saturday 2 September if numbers warrant it.
Have you ever attempted to raise a crop of delicious, healthy tomatoes – or capsicums, or eggplants, or potatoes – only to find that, after all that nurturing, your plants suddenly succumb to wilt, blight, or some other fungal disease or pest problem? It’s so disappointing to lose your harvest after all that hard work!
The fact is, these plants are all members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, and all tend to be susceptible to the same or similar problems.
This Workshop, presented by local certified-organic farmer and qualified horticulturist, Marnie Johnson, will teach you how to prevent these problems and demonstrate how to grow healthy, disease-free plants, without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Among other things, the Workshop will cover:
• Soil preparation and soil pH • Germination, propagation and grafting • Fertiliser requirements • Water requirements • Getting your seedlings off to the best start
• Pest and diseases – and how to organically treat them • Support structures, such as cages • Cheap and easy tips and tricks for success
• Harvesting and storage
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Friday 1 September from 10am–12pm, with a repeat session on Saturday 2 September if numbers warrant it. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday 28 August
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to takeaway at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
The fact is, these plants are all members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, and all tend to be susceptible to the same or similar problems.
This Workshop, presented by local certified-organic farmer and qualified horticulturist, Marnie Johnson, will teach you how to prevent these problems and demonstrate how to grow healthy, disease-free plants, without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Among other things, the Workshop will cover:
• Soil preparation and soil pH • Germination, propagation and grafting • Fertiliser requirements • Water requirements • Getting your seedlings off to the best start
• Pest and diseases – and how to organically treat them • Support structures, such as cages • Cheap and easy tips and tricks for success
• Harvesting and storage
The Workshop will be held at Tucker Patch, 62 Cemetery Rd, Gloucester on Friday 1 September from 10am–12pm, with a repeat session on Saturday 2 September if numbers warrant it. Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members. Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Store by COB Wednesday 28 August
What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, gloves, drinking water and a USB stick (optional) for notes to takeaway at the end of the session. Note: If the weather is fine the workshop will be held outdoors in the Food Forest; if it’s raining on the day it will be held in the green shed.
For more information please call 0484 001 390.
Make Your Own Marmalade Workshop – Monday August 14 2017
Do you have surplus citrus in your backyard and hate to see it going to waste? Then come along to our workshop and learn how to make your own marmalade, using a variety of citrus including oranges, mandarins, limes, lemons and grapefruit.
The workshop, presented by Pat Burrows and Kelly Pickett, will demonstrate the whole process of marmalade making, from sorting, washing and chopping the fruit, through simmering and setting, to sterilising, bottling and labelling.
The workshop will be held in the professional kitchen at Unit 1, 3 Britten St (at the Industrial Estate), arriving at 9.45am for a 10am start and finishing at approximately 2pm, with short breaks for morning tea and lunch.
Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members.
What to bring: BYO lunch (morning tea will be provided), an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes, and a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes. At the completion of the workshop you will take home a jar of the lovely freshly made marmalade!
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Shop (bookings close COB Friday August 11). If you have any questions please call Kelly on 0413 044 606.
Numbers are limited, so get in early and don’t miss out!
The workshop, presented by Pat Burrows and Kelly Pickett, will demonstrate the whole process of marmalade making, from sorting, washing and chopping the fruit, through simmering and setting, to sterilising, bottling and labelling.
The workshop will be held in the professional kitchen at Unit 1, 3 Britten St (at the Industrial Estate), arriving at 9.45am for a 10am start and finishing at approximately 2pm, with short breaks for morning tea and lunch.
Cost is $15 for Tucker Patch members, $25 for non-members.
What to bring: BYO lunch (morning tea will be provided), an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes, and a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes. At the completion of the workshop you will take home a jar of the lovely freshly made marmalade!
Bookings at Gloucester Health Food Shop (bookings close COB Friday August 11). If you have any questions please call Kelly on 0413 044 606.
Numbers are limited, so get in early and don’t miss out!