Learning WITH MUD
introduction to regenerative market gardening
Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) is offering a FREE 6-week practical training course for people who are unemployed and not in training or education and would like to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to begin a career in the horticulture and environmental sectors.
This practical course is centred around hands-on learning in a working market garden, where you'll develop the skills and knowledge needed to grow food sustainably. You'll learn regenerative growing techniques that work in harmony with nature while building practical, transferable skills for careers in horticulture, the wider environmental sector, and related practical roles around gardening, sustainable food and community building.
Activities will include: seed sowing, planting, plant maintenance, harvesting, crop planning, garden design, orchard maintenance, basic construction, business skills, facilitation, organisational planning, community building, and gaining broad ecological knowledge.
No previous gardening experience is needed—just an enthusiasm to learn and a willingness to get stuck in!
free 6 week course
Learn More
This course is completely free and only for those who are not currently working or in training. If you don't fit this criteria, please consider signing up to volunteer at our Gardening Club instead, as you will be able to learn growing skills there.
You must be over 18 to apply.
Dates & Times
Dates: 5 October – 15 November 2026
Schedule: Mondays & Thursdays
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Lunch: 45 minutes
Address: Platt Fields Market Garden, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LT
Accessibility
We are committed to making this course accessible to all, and have worked with volunteers to make the garden accessible. If you require any adjustments in order to participate, please let us know in the form below and we will work to accommodate you.
More information on the physical accessibility of our site at Platt Fields Market Garden can be found at here.
Places are limited to ensure plenty of individual support.
Register your interest today!
Deadline to apply 18th September 2026
Let’s Work Together
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.