Key Facts

  • Starting
    21 Apr 2026
    Location
    Merton
    Start Time
    10:00
    End Time
    13:00
    Duration
    3 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Tuesday
    Start Date
    21 Apr 2026
    Level
    Short Course
    Code
    MHRX174ML

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    Free

    Enrol

Live Well for Less - Growing Edibles

Live Well for Less - Growing Edibles

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The best hands-on gardening course for people who want to grow edibles in their small outdoor spaces but don't know where to start!

In this 3-week capsule course, you will learn how to grow from seed, propagate plants and look after your garden. After you complete the programme you will leave with skills, confidence, and living plants for your cooking and seasoning. Look out for different seasonal themes of Live Well for Less throughout the year. From mending your clothes to making jams and preserves, there is always something new you can learn.

All materials included.

  • Entry Requirements


    No previous experience needed

  • Course Content


    During this course you will:

    • Understand what can be grown in small urban spaces
    • Learn basic plant needs and growing terms
    • Start your first edible plants
    • Learn how to keep plants healthy
    • Understand feeding, watering and pests
    • Gain confidence through practical care
    • Know when and how to harvest
    • Learn simple regrowing techniques
    • Create a realistic ongoing growing plan

  • Progression Next Steps


    You can go on to study on one of our practical gardening courses including Introduction to Sustainable Gardening and Gardening for Wellbeing.

    You can also continue to learn new skills in cooking, baking and sustainability at one of these courses which run throughout the year:

    • Cook Well for Less (6 rounds of 4 weeks on Thursdays)
    • Bake Well for Less (6 rounds of 5 weeks on Fridays)
    • Live Well for Less (look out for other themes throughout the year - mending clothes, up-cycling, pickles & preserves)

  • Additional Information


    Please note there is a £15 materials fee for this course. For more information contact beata.allen@stcg.ac.uk

  • Course Structure


    Week 1 - Growing Edibles in the UK

    • Containers and growing spaces
    • UK climate and seasons
    • Sunlight, water, soil, containers
    • What grows well in urban spaces
    • Windowsills, balconies, doorsteps, shared spaces

    Week 2 - Plant Care Basics

    • Potting on and pricking out
    • Watering and feeding
    • Soil and compost types
    • Dealing with common problems
    • Encouraging wildlife and managing pests
    • Companion planting

    Week 3 - Week 3 - Harvesting, Regrowing & Long-Term Growing

    • Regrowing food from food scraps
    • Collecting and storing seeds
    • Seasonal growing overview
    • Winter edibles
    • Succession planting
    • When to harvest for best flavour
    • Cut-and-come-again crops
    • Storing and using small harvests
    • Quick recipe ideas
    • RHS
    • Allotment and community gardens
    • Seed swaps and local groups

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment will be ongoing and designed to support learning and skill development through tutor feedback, practical tasks, self-assessment and peer discussion.