The Backyard Farmer - With Justin Calverley

Next date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026 | 10:00 AM to 02:30 PM

Get hands‑on, practical training across the essentials of growing food at home. Whether you join for a single topic or dive into the full eight week program, each session offers clear, actionable skills you can take straight into your own garden.

Save with Discounts on Multiple Sessions.

Booking more sessions unlocks higher discounted rates.

• Individual session: $80
• 2 sessions: 2.5% off
• 3–6 sessions: progressively higher discounts
• 7 sessions: 15% off
• 8 sessions: 20% off — best value at $512 total

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. This book may be available from Edendale's Shop for separate purchase, subject to availability.

We aim to make this event as accessible as possible. Please contact us at edendale@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or phone 9433 3711 to discuss how we can make this event inclusive and accessible for you. Further information is available on our accessibility page 

Week 1 – Permaculture: Designing Edible Gardens That Work

Discover how permaculture thinking can shape healthy, productive spaces at any scale. Justin introduces the foundations of ethical, sustainable garden design and shows how these ideas can guide the way you build your own home food system.

Includes:

• Ethics behind permaculture

• Core design principles

• Applying permaculture in everyday gardens

Week 2 – Composting, Worm farms and Fertilisers

Learn how to transform kitchen scraps, garden waste and natural materials into rich soil conditioners. Explore different composting systems and find out which ones suit your space, lifestyle and gardening style.

Includes:

• Compost systems and setups

• Methods for fast, healthy breakdown

• How and when to use finished products

Week 3 – Understanding Soils

Healthy soil is at the core of a thriving garden. This session unpacks what’s happening beneath your feet and how to create the right environment for strong and healthy plant growth.

Includes:

• Soil structure and texture

• Basic soil chemistry (made simple)

• Practical soil improvement techniques

Week 4 – Growing Vegetables Successfully

Explore what vegetables need to flourish in your climate and backyard. Justin shares practical tips on choosing varieties, working with microclimates and growing a seasonal supply of fresh produce.

Includes:

• Understanding plant needs

• Using and creating microclimates

• Companion planting for healthier crops

Week 5 – Managing Pests, Diseases & Weeds

Learn how to prevent common garden issues before they appear—and how to manage them safely and naturally when they do. A great session for building confidence, reducing garden frustration, and learning about natural, low‑impact methods.

Includes:

• Identifying common issues

• Prevention strategies

• Natural, low‑impact solutions

Week 6 – Fruit Trees for Urban Gardens

Discover how to select, shape and care for fruit trees suited to smaller spaces. From buying the right tree to maintaining long‑term health, this session covers the essentials of a simple, productive backyard orchard.

Includes:

• Choosing suitable varieties

• Pruning and shaping for easy care

• Maintaining tree health through the seasons

• Managing Queensland Fruit Fly

Week 7 – Berries: Sweet, Reliable Home-Grown Harvests

Berries are a delicious and high value crop every food grower should consider. Learn how to set them up properly and keep them producing year after year.

Includes:

• Choosing varieties

• Setting up beds, canes and supports

• Troubleshooting common problems

Week 8 – Bushfoods: Growing Native Edible Plants

Explore the flavours and possibilities of Australia’s native edibles. This session looks at how bushfoods can be integrated into gardens while supporting local biodiversity.

Includes:

• Design considerations for native edibles

• Edible plant parts and harvest uses

• Creating habitat-friendly plantings

About Justin

Justin Calverley is a horticulturalist with more than 35 years' experience and is the author of the bestselling books, The Urban Farmer and The Urban Food Forester.  He is a go-to expert for the media and in high demand on the presentation and public speaking circuit. Justin is a regular broadcaster on radio 3RRR Breakfast and ABC Evenings.

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When

Location

Edendale Community Environment Farm, 30 Gastons Road, Eltham, 3095, View map