Grow Your Own Food Workshop
Learn the easy way to grow your own vegetables, fruits & herbs in a hands-on, personalised workshop this Spring
A practical, no-nonsense workshop for anyone who wants to grow their own food - whether you're a complete beginner or already growing and struggling with specific problems.
Are you tired of having too much veg one month and none the next? Do you struggle with growing certain crops?
Growing your own food isn't about having loads of space or being an expert; it's about learning a few solid principles, understanding how they translate into the garden, and taking the first simple steps, building confidence as you go.
There's something genuinely grounding and wholesome about being able to go outside and harvest food you've grown yourself and make a meal for your family from it. This workshop gives you all the tips you need to grow your own food with confidence - whether veg, fruit, or herbs — tailored to your garden.


What You'll Learn
In this intimate 5-hour workshop, John will cover:
How to set up your growing space for success
The secrets to getting your soil right from the start
Which crops are easiest to grow and most rewarding
Hands-on practice in a real working polytunnel
Personalised advice for your specific situation
How It Works
The first part of the day covers the essential principles everyone needs. Then we focus on what YOU want to achieve - whether that's starting from scratch with 2-3 easy crops, or troubleshooting why your tomatoes keep failing.
We'll cut through the jargon and focus on what works. You'll learn about the many crops you can grow, the tricks that save time, and the small habits that lead to a garden you can depend on.
You'll get the same honest, practical advice you hear on the podcast only now you can see it, try it, and ask questions as you go. You'll head home feeling confident, supported, and ready to grow food you can be proud of.

What Past Attendees Are Saying
Cian O’Mahony
Siobhan Duff
Shane Moriarty
Eimear McCauley
The workshop was brilliant. I would highly recommend Master My Garden workshop. John is so passionate about growing and his enthusiasm around making growing easy and accessible to all was very infectious. I was a complete beginner before partaking in the workshop. I felt confident after leaving the workshop to start my own growing journey. This workshop is suitable for beginners and those already established as growers. I learnt so much from others at the workshop also when different issues regarding growing were troubleshooted.
Ruth Argue
The 'Master My Garden - Grow Your Own Food Workshop' is one not to be missed! As an absolute beginner starting out on my journey, John provided me with all the knowledge, know-how, and more importantly the confidence to take my first steps of growing my own vegetables! John's expertise and knowledge means that you, whether starting off like myself, or a seasoned gardener, will not be disappointed. The ease with which John was able to tailor the theory and practical part to everyone's individual needs was so impressive. If you are struggling with growing your own vegetables, or wondering where to start, then this workshop IS FOR YOU!! Thanks John!
Barry Ryan

About John
John has worked in the gardening industry for 30 years and knows what works in Irish gardens - because he's made all the mistakes himself. He hosts the weekly Master My Garden podcast and runs these workshops from his Garden in Co. Laois near Carlow town, where he grows and tests everything before recommending it.
Growing up between his father's farm and his mother's garden, with grandparents on both sides who were brilliant growers, John's been surrounded by gardening his whole life. Now he's passing on what he's learned - minus the trial and error you don't need to do yourself.
Workshop Details:
When: Saturdays, 10am-3pm
Where: John's Garden, Co. Carlow
Price: €97
Group Size: Small groups only - max 14 people for personalised attention
Perfect For: Complete beginners AND experienced growers
21st Feb 2026
21st Mar 2026
Questions that might be on your mind...
Perfect! The workshop is designed for all levels. We start with the basics and then tailor the advice to where you're at. (See Ruth’s testimonial as a complete beginner)
Suitable clothing & footwear to keep you warm & dry. Parts of the day will be outside. That is all you need, everything else will be provided.
The workshop takes place at John's garden/ polytunnel in Crettyard, Co. Carlow (Laois/Carlow border). Exact address and directions will be sent when you book.
Contact us as soon as possible and we'll move you to another date if available.
Tea/coffee on arrival. Light lunch will also be provided.
Small groups only - max 14 people - so everyone gets personalised attention.
Dates Don't Suit?
If the current workshop dates don't work for you or if spots are sold out, join our waitlist. We'll email you as soon as new workshop dates are announced. No obligation - just a heads up when spaces become available.

