Seed sowing and container growing – vegetables – workshop

Grow your own fresh vegetables from seed – even without a garden!

Join us in our productive greenhouse for a hands-on workshop that will transform you into a confident seed-sower and container grower. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or windowsill, you can grow delicious fresh vegetables, and we’ll show you exactly how!

This practical session covers everything from choosing the right seeds to nurturing seedlings into healthy plants. You’ll get your hands dirty (in the best way!), learn professional techniques, and leave ready to start your own productive container garden at home.

What you’ll learn

Forget complicated gardening jargon, we’ll break everything down into simple, practical steps you can use immediately. This workshop combines expert instruction with plenty of hands-on practice in our working greenhouse.

Seed sowing fundamentals:

• How to set up a clean, organized workspace (proper hygiene matters!)
• Filling seed trays and pots correctly with the right compost mix
• Understanding grit-to-compost ratios for different vegetables
• Proper seed handling techniques (those tiny seeds need gentle care!)
• Temperature requirements for successful germination
• Why we propagate under cover and when it’s essential
• Hardy vs. half-hardy plants explained simply
• Watering techniques that won’t wash away your seeds

Hands-on practice: You’ll actually sow seeds during the workshop! We’ll work with:

• Lettuce (quick and satisfying for beginners)
• Tomatoes (the ultimate homegrown treat)
• Winter salads (mizuna, rocket, and other delicious greens)

Container growing secrets:

• Choosing the right container size for different vegetables
• Getting the compost and grit proportions right
• Where to buy suitable containers (or how to make your own!)
• Resources and tips for budget-friendly container gardening
• Ongoing care for seedlings and young plants

What’s included

• 2 hours of expert instruction in our working greenhouse
• Hands-on seed sowing practice with multiple varieties
• Professional guidance from an experienced horticulturist
• Learn to prepare trays and pots properly
• Understanding of tools and equipment needed
• Resource list for buying seeds and containers
• Growing guides to take home
• Practical watering demonstrations
• Tips for looking after seeds from germination to harvest

What you’ll achieve

By the end of this workshop, you’ll:

• Know which seeds to buy and when to sow them
• Feel confident preparing containers and trays properly
• Understand what different vegetables need to thrive
• Have practical experience sowing multiple seed varieties
• Know how to care for seedlings from germination onwards
• Understand watering requirements at different growth stages
• Be ready to start your own productive container garden
• Have resources and guidance for continued success

Perfect for

Anyone wanting to grow their own vegetables but lacking garden space, beginners who’ve been intimidated by seed sowing, people who want fresh food on a budget, or gardeners wanting to improve their propagation success rate. If you’ve ever killed seedlings and want to understand why (and how to prevent it!), this workshop is especially for you.

What to expect

This is a working greenhouse session, so dress comfortably, bring gardening gloves and don’t mind getting a bit of compost on your hands! We’ll be standing and working at benches, handling seeds, filling trays, and learning by doing. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal—questions are encouraged throughout, and there’s absolutely no such thing as a silly question when it comes to gardening.

You’ll leave with dirty fingernails, new knowledge, and the confidence to grow your own vegetables from tiny seeds—even in the smallest of spaces!

Workshop details

Grow, Cook, Share, Care is a Hands of Hope programme engaging vulnerable groups, those with complex needs, families, especially those living in food poverty, and older people, in learning, wellness and social activities aligned to growing, cooking, and nature.

Suitable for all. Priority for spaces will be given to people meeting the criteria: aged over 50, young carers and young adults with learning disabilities.

There is no charge for this workshop, donations are always welcome!

Please ensure you arrive ten minutes before the start time to ensure we can get everyone registered. You will need to do one booking per person please so we know who will be attending.