Irrigation, Rainwater Tanks and Sunlight: Gardening Workshop

These events are being run as part of The Science of Edible Gardening Workshop Series from Leaf, Root & Fruit.  Explore how light changes throughout the year and how it may impact your garden. Most edible plants require full sun, but learn about a few that can cope with shade. Explore options for using plants to make your home and outdoor spaces more comfortable during extreme weather events. Photosynthesis is the method by which plants use sunlight to convert water and air to sugar. It is an essential process that, in one way or another, supports all life on Earth. This workshop in the Science of Edible Gardening Series, looks at the three inputs into photosynthesis:

• Sunlight
• Water
• Air

Delve into the world of irrigation and the pros and cons of different irrigation methods. Understand tanks and rainwater capture. Perform some calculations to see what sort of methods (if any) you can use to capture rainwater on your property.

Discover how airflow can influence the garden, and then use this knowledge to design windbreaks or channel air through your garden.

Topics:

• Photosynthesis and how it Influences our Garden
• Fruit Thinning
• Sunlight and Shade
• Airflow and Windbreaks
• Designing Gardens for Comfort
• Shade Tolerant Edibles
• Watering and Irrigation
• Capturing Rainwater in Tanks

The class involves a combination of theory in a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on practical activities including:

A tour of our 6-acre property to observe and discuss how the plants influence the garden

• Thinning of fruit on fruit trees
• Demonstrations of different irrigation systems and options
• Analysing your current property and rainfall catchment options

By the end of the class you will have a greater understanding of how sunlight, air and water can all influence your garden. You will have an appreciation of the different irrigation methods available and what is involved with setting them up. You will feel confident with enhancing or deflecting external light and wind influences in your garden to make it more productive and comfortable.

What to Bring:

• Enthusiasm for learning
• Your lunch
• Water bottle
• Notebook and pen
• Closed toe, practical shoes
• Appropriate Clothing as Kyneton can be cold and wet or stinking hot in spring