Join organic grower and tutor Tim Foster to explore the damaging effects of pesticides and how to stop using them.

Many of us are aware of the harmful effects that pesticides and herbicides have on soil health and biodiversity but, for some, moving to a chemical-free, organic way of growing can seem daunting.

In this introductory session, Tim will guide you through the many benefits (and challenges) of growing organically and present strategies for understanding and managing pests and disease.

This session is free to attend and is funded by the West of England Combined Authority.

This session will look at:

* A review of current chemicals – what you might be using and why you might use them

* Approaches to non-chemical control: understanding pests and disease – Prevent, Manage, Control

* Key points to non-chemical control

* Universal pests and diseases

About your tutor:

Tim Foster has been teaching gardening and horticulture for around 25 years, following 15 years in various horticultural employments.

He currently teaches on the University of Bristol Botanic Garden’s RHS courses and independent Organic and Allotment courses.

Tim writes a twice-monthly column in the Bristol Post and other South West publications, and is the author of two books: ‘Good Earth Gardening – how to grow vegetables organically’ and ‘Fruit For Life – how to grow fruit organically’.