Description

Creating an Orchard – Saturday May 18th – 10am – 4:30pm

Are you ready to transform your love for apples into a thriving orchard of your own? Look no further than our exclusive “Creating an Orchard” workshop at Irish Seed Savers. Whether you’re a farmer, a small-holder, or simply an apple enthusiast, this course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to cultivate a flourishing orchard. This full workshop features a blend of classroom and land-based learning.

 

What You’ll Learn:

Choice of Site: Discover the secrets behind selecting the perfect location for your orchard, ensuring optimal growth and productivity.

Layout of Orchard: Learn the art of planning and designing the layout for your orchard to maximize efficiency and beauty.

Choosing Rootstocks: Understand the importance of selecting the right rootstocks for your apple trees, ensuring a strong foundation for growth.

Soil Preparation and Drainage: Delve into the critical aspects of soil health, preparation, and effective drainage to create an environment conducive to thriving orchards.

Maintenance: Gain insights into ongoing maintenance practices that contribute to the long-term health and productivity of your orchard.

Health and Disease Management: Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage common health issues and diseases that may affect your apple trees.

Choosing Varieties: Navigate the diverse world of apple varieties and discover the best options for your orchard based on your preferences and regional considerations.

Soil Health and Improvement: Understand the significance of soil health and learn practical techniques for its improvement, laying a strong foundation for a fruitful orchard.

Pruning Techniques: Master the art of pruning as you explore techniques that enhance tree structure, promote growth, and contribute to overall orchard health.

 

Who Should Attend:

Farmers and Small-Holders – Enhance your agricultural endeavors with the skills needed to cultivate a diverse and productive orchard.

Apple Enthusiasts – Whether you dream of a small backyard orchard or a larger-scale venture, this workshop is your perfect starting point.

Beginners – This workshop is highly recommended for those new to orcharding, providing a solid foundation for success.

 

Cost: €100

All materials will be provided, including Irish Seed Savers Creating an Orchard Guide, Grafting Manual and Tree Training and Pruning Guide.

  • 10% discount for supporters.
  • Workshops suitable for adults only – children under 18 years are not permitted to attend.
  • Cafe serving lunch & refreshments.

 

Instructing this workshop

Meet Cormac Griffith, your guide to the traditional skill of orcharding and the seasoned instructor for our “Creating an Orchard” workshop at Irish Seed Savers. With almost 20 years of hands-on experience, Cormac has honed his skills as an orchardist, making him a master in the art of cultivating and nurturing apple trees. Cormac served as the Orchard Manager at Irish Seed Savers from 2005 to 2008, contributing significantly to the preservation of heritage apple varieties. Beyond his managerial role, Cormac has dedicated himself to educating enthusiasts in Orchard Management, Grafting, and Pruning through workshops and courses at Irish Seed Savers and An t-Ionad Glas – The Organic College.

Cancellation Policy: As a non-profit social enterprise and registered charity, we kindly ask for your understanding regarding our need for a cancellation policy. Please note that we require a minimum of 14 days’ notice for course cancellations to qualify for a full refund.