The Backyard Farmer with Justin Calverley
Published on 27 March 2026
Edendale is excited to launch an 8‑Week Horticulture program, led by well‑known horticulturist, educator and author Justin Calverley (The Urban Farmer and The Urban Food Forester). This practical, hands‑on course is designed for everyone - whether you're just starting your gardening journey or looking to deepen your knowledge and skills.
Across eight focused sessions, participants will explore everything from permaculture design, composting and pest control to vegetables, berries, fruit trees and native bushfoods. Each week stands alone, so you can book the topics most relevant to you or join us for the full 8-week program to build your knowledge step by step.
Flexible booking means you can join one session, a few sessions, or all eight.
Booking more sessions unlocks higher discounted rates.
The first 5 people that book the whole 8-session program will also receive a free copy of Justin’s book 'The Urban Farmer' which is the inspiration for this course.
What You’ll Learn
Each week explores a key aspect of productive, sustainable home gardening:
Week 1: Permaculture: Designing Edible Gardens That Work
Discover how permaculture ethics and principles can guide you in designing gardens that are productive, resilient and easy to care for.
Week 2: Composting, Worm farms & Fertilisers
Learn how to transform organic waste into nutrient‑rich resources that boost soil health and plant growth.
Week 3: Understanding Soils
Understand the foundations of soil structure, chemistry and simple improvement methods to support stronger, healthier plants.
Week 4: Growing Vegetables Successfully
Explore seasonal vegetable growing, plant needs, microclimates and companion planting for productive, thriving beds.
Week 5: Managing Pests, Diseases & Weeds
Build confidence as you learn how to identify, prevent and manage common garden challenges using natural techniques.
Week 6: Fruit Trees for Urban Gardens
From choosing the right varieties to shaping and maintaining healthy trees, learn how to create a productive urban orchard.
Week 7: Berries: Sweet, Reliable Home-Grown Harvests
Get practical guidance on growing berries successfully, including setup, soil requirements and simple troubleshooting.
Week 8 – Bushfoods: Growing Native Edible Plant
Discover the flavours and possibilities of native edible plants and how they can support biodiversity in your garden.
This program offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of Melbourne’s most respected horticulture educators in a welcoming, hands‑on environment at Edendale Farm. Whether your goal is to grow more of your own food, improve soil health, create habitat, or redesign your garden, you’ll walk away with the skills and confidence to make it happen.
Bookings are now open. Spaces are limited each week.
We look forward to growing with you at Edendale!