About this experience

SATURDAYS 28TH FEBRUARY AND 2ND MAY 2026

KILLRUDDERY MEMBER TICKET: €120

STANDARD TICKET: €132

GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES WORKSHOP

A Two Part, hands-on workshop with Killruddery vegetable grower Pat Keady.

In 2009 we began our contemporary food journey at Killruddery. We opened a charming Tea Room in our Victorian Ornamental Dairy and at the same time we began to awaken the sleeping walled garden which had lain largely dormant since the late seventies apart from its lovely Apple Orchard and a few hidden fruit vines. In 2022 Pat Keady joined our project and under his leadership, today we grow a large percentage of our Kitchens vegetables in the Walled Garden and on our vegetable field on the farm and we supply demand in our Farm Shop. We are prolific, we do this using organic principles, our Walled Garden has never known any other way.

Pat grew up surrounded and immersed in nature not knowing the meaning of the word biodiversity but piecing together the web of life bit by bit, this early involvement shaped him as a person who understands the need to protect and promote nature in everything we do. This is a major part of why Pat became a grower,a journey that brought him to Cork to study sustainable horticulture, then on to run his own market garden in Connemara and now here in Killruddery growing chemical free vegetables. He is constantly trying to improve and learn new methods to grow healthy nutritious veg on a large scale, while protecting and promoting nature. 

Pat will begin the day with some theory about garden design, discussing the range of vegetables that you can grow both inside and out at that time of year. Followed by an explanation of the processes of sowing and germination followed by a practical demonstration after lunch. Pat will discuss the different tools and equipment required for an efficient growing process, fertility, what and where to get it followed by a walk through the walled garden and demonstration. You will go home with a starter seed pack and plenty of tips and inspiration to get you growing food this year for your table.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

• Those interested in starting their own kitchen garden but don't know where to start


• Those who wish to gain knowledge on sowing seeds, fertility and germination. 

FAQ:

• This workshop will take place from 10.00 - 16.00. 


• All materials are supplied. 


• Lunch is provided. 


• Please wear warm thick soled shoes, and dress to suit the days weather. 


• Please allow yourself plenty of time to get here, park in our main customer car park and follow signs to Killruddery Cut Flowers workshop