Spring is a time of abundant plant growth, seedlings to plant and their aftercare, feeding for good spring growth, weed management, irrigation system checks, training new growth and ensuring good pest and disease management. Also there are many crops to be sown at this time to ensure a continuous supply of flowers and produce. $10 materials fee payable to the tutor.

Practical Winter Gardening

Course Description

This course emphasises the importance of adopting a seasonal approach to gardening, with a specific focus on the winter months. Gardening is not just about planting and harvesting; it’s about understanding the rhythms of nature and responding to them throughout the year. 

By focusing on winter, this course highlights how this often-overlooked season plays a critical role in setting up the garden for future success. 

Students will learn how the quiet, dormant period of winter offers the perfect opportunity for preparation and maintenance that will ensure vibrant growth when the warmer months arrive.

Winter gardening is about more than simply waiting for spring; it’s a time to take proactive steps that will benefit the garden in the long run. This course explores how winter provides the ideal window for important tasks like pruning, soil care, and tool maintenance, all of which lay the groundwork for the upcoming growing season. 

By understanding the importance of seasonal timing, students will gain insight into how thoughtful, winter-specific actions can enhance plant health, improve soil structure, and foster a stronger connection to the natural cycles of the garden, setting them up for success year-round.

Course Structure

The course includes demonstrations, practical tasks, and whiteboard drawings as well as a well-illustrated PowerPoint presentation.

Topics covered will include health and safety in the garden, tool maintenance and care, winter pruning, fertiliser, irrigation systems, composting and what crops to grow in winter.

Course Learning Outcomes

After attending this course, students will be able to:

• Sharpen secateurs
• Make compost
• Carry out basic winter pruning
• Design and install a simple domestic irrigation system
• Know what winter crops to plant
• Plant a punnet of seeds to correct depth and label them

Student Testimonials

“I learned a lot from this class. I am a novice but found the information easy to understand, with good use of pictures and I can’t wait to get cracking on my own garden.”

“Peter’s explanations, images and demonstrations suited my learning style very well.”

“Peter’s sessions are interesting and valuable.”

Your Tutor is Peter Wilson 

Peter Wilson has been teaching at WEA since 2010. 

Peter has a Certificate in Education from Greenwich University, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, an Advanced Certificate in Urban Horticulture from TAFESA, and a Certificate in Horticulture from TAFESA.

Peter has been teaching horticulture for nearly 30 years both locally and overseas, working with students from 3 years old and up. He has taught accredited and general interest sessions on a broad range of topics in this field and won prizes at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows.