Crofting Training

New in-person courses coming soon 2025-2026

Watch this space for in-person training update coming soon…

Horticulture 1

Online Workshop

Spring Planting

Monday 12th May 2025, 7.00 – 9.00pm

John Hamilton, a crofter and market gardener on the Isle of Lewis, does a deep dive into Spring Planting on the croft – including topics such as:-

  • Equipment and tools;
  • Soil preparation;
  • Transplanting and direct sowing;
  • Planting spacings.

Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for this workshop

£20 members/£35 non-members

Horticulture 2

Online Workshop

Harvesting & Preparing for Sale

Tuesday 15th July 2025, 7.00 – 9.00pm

John Hamilton, a crofter and market gardener on the Isle of Lewis, shares his experience of harvesting for local sale, includes topics such as:-

  • Dealing with abundance
  • Veg boxes and market sales
  • Equipment and tools

    Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for this workshop

    £20 members/£35 non-members

    Horticulture 3

    Online Workshop

    Preserving & Growing Over Winter

    Tuesday 26th August 2025, 7.00 – 9.00pm

    John Hamilton, a crofter and market gardener on the Isle of Lewis, shares his invaluable knowledge on the topics of preserving your produce and extending your growing season over the winter months. Includes:-

    • Thinking ahead
    • Preserves and jams
    • Drying and freezing

        Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for this workshop

        £20 members/£35 non-members

        Horticulture 4

        Online Workshop

        Planning for a Market Garden

        Tuesday 14th October 2025, 7.00 – 9.00pm

        John Hamilton, a crofter and market gardener on the Isle of Lewis, shares practical advice based on his experience in developing a market garden on his croft. Includes:-

        • Budgeting and setting up;
        • What to grow and working with the climate;
        • Scale of production;

        Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for this workshop

        £20 members/£35 non-members

        Horticulture 5

        Online Workshop

        Preparing for the Season

        Tuesday 17th February 2026, 7.00 – 9.00pm

        John Hamilton, a crofter and market gardener on the Isle of Lewis, shares his tips on how to prepare for a successful growing season. Includes:-

        • Compost making and finishing;
        • Crop planning and rotation;
        • Market garden organisations.

        Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for this workshop

        £20 members/£35 non-members