Learning WITH MUD
introduction to market gardening
free 6 week course
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 transferable skills.
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!
Photo Credit: Woodland Farm, Photographed by Phoebe Davies for Culture Roots Collective, 2026
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 are required to commit to full days every Monday and Thursday over the 6 weeks. If for any reason you can't commit to this please let us know which days/times you can't attend and why. 80% attendance of the course will be required for you to pass the course.
You must be over 18 to apply.
Dates & Times
Cohort 1: 05 October - 15 November 2026
Cohort 2: 15 February - 28 March 2027
Cohort 3: 17 May - 27 June 2027
Mondays & Thursdays
9:30am - 4:30pm
45 minute break for lunch
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 here.
Places are limited to ensure plenty of individual support.
Deadline to apply for the first cohort: 18th September 2026.
Questions? Contact learning@wearemud.org.