The Living Soil: Health, Function & Future

Afternoon Demonstrations:

Join our main student body in our demonstration kitchen for an afternoon demonstration. You will receive a copy of the recipes and a tasting plate at the end of the class. The demonstration room is equipped with a large overhead mirror and Monitors for closeup work. We release details of recipes to be demonstrated 2 weeks in advance.

Afternoon Cookery Classes begin at 2PM, however please try to be at cookery school for 1:45PM.

Guests will get a copy of all recipes and tastings of all dishes at the end of the demonstration. Please note you will be joining our main student body for this demonstration.

Details of Recipes to be demonstrated are published approximately 2 weeks in Advance.

A day dedicated to understanding the fundamental importance of the soil. In the words of Lady Eve Balfour, “The health of soil, plant, animal, and man is one and indivisible", highlighting the deep connection between fertile earth and healthy life, emphasizing that we are part of nature not seperate from it. As organic farmers we are passionate about enhancing the fertility of the soil. We make compost in bays by the indoor method and feed rich hummus back into the soil to make the soil more fertile to grow more nutrient dense food. We are totally dependent on the layer of top soil around the world for our very existence.

This course offers a closer look into what makes soil truly healthy and how you can achieve this on your own land.

What You’ll Learn:

How to make compost at both a small and large scale
How to use compost
How to identify healthy and unhealthy soil
How biodiversity impacts soil health, and ways you can make changes on your own land
Observing soil under a microscope with samples from multiple soil types/healths so you can really understand the amount of life that should be present in your soil
How to identify multiple types of microorganisms and what they do to your soil

Course Elements

Indoor and Outdoor Classroom Learning
Tour of the organic farm, gardens and greenhouses
Practical learning and observation in our new 1 acre organic glasshouse
Time spent at our compost stalls
Ability to learn to use and read samples under a microscope

Good to Know

As we’ll spend time walking and learning around the farm please bring suitable clothing and footwear - and allow for changeable weather!
Refreshments and Lunch included
The course is held at Ballymaloe Cookery School & Organic Farm and Gardens in Shanagarry, Co. Cork P25 R274- a biodiverse working organic farm and greenhouses.
Tea, coffee & our Ballymaloe natural sourdough, homemade Jersey butter and seasonal jams will be served from 9am on the first day of the course so please arrive early to sign in, meet other students and get ready for a busy day of hands on learning

The prestigious Ballymaloe 12 WeekCertificate Course is run three times a year, with courses beginning in January,April or May, and September.

The course is aimed at anyone with a passionate interest in food. Many of our students use the course as a springboard to become a professional chef; others use it to equip themselves with a marketable skill.

Others still take the course simply to maximize the pleasure they get from cooking at home.

Students develop a deep and detailed understanding of food and how it is produced. The emphasis is on recognising the best ingredients and knowing how to showcase them.

Learn More Book Now Add to Waiting List Buy course as Gift Voucher

Back to Courses List

Course Details: