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