Workshop : Food Tree Care - Pruning & Fertilizing in Mediterranean Climates
Next dates: Spring 2026 — Dates: coming soon
Dror AVITAL giving a pruning demonstration
Miguel COTTON addressing the class in the Food Tree Academy tent
Workshop participants following the class with help from the provided manuals
Dror AVITAL explaining the principles behind truit tree pruning
The Food Tree Academy tent, under one of our old Carob trees
Showing different kinds of mulching materials and discussing their pros and cons
Dror AVITAL, the Orchard's Scientific Advisor, explaining about Liebig's theory on plant nutrition
Practical fruit tree pruning exercise
Miguel COTTON leading a tour of the botanical garden during a workshop
How to prune a tree, with Dror AVITAL
Fertilizing in progress
Looking at an example of a healthy food tree
A few fruits from the Orchard
Group photo with one of our classes
Shared lunch is served! A great opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of like-minded folks
Guided tour of the Orchard with the founder, Miguel COTTON
Dror AVITAL and Miguel COTTON teaching the Food Tree Care workshop at the Orchard of Flavours, in Tavira, Portugal
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Delve into the art and science of food tree maintenance, guided by Dror Avital, an experienced plant biologist. Immerse yourself in hands-on learning with exercises featuring common fruit trees of the Algarve as well as a few subtropical fruit trees that can easily grow here.
✂️ Pruning Mastery: Explore the intricate techniques of pruning, tailored to each tree type, season and your objectives. Learn the art of shaping, enhancing productivity and ensuring accessibility. Delve into the secrets of a hard prune and effective cut-backs.
🌱 Feeding Your Food Trees: Dror Avital will guide you through the nutrient requirements of your fruit trees, drawing on the timeless principles of Liebig's limitation theory. Dive into the organic versus mineral fertilizer debate and discover the correct utilization of compost and manure to nourish your orchard.
Facilitators:
Âş Dror AVITAL, plant biologist & scientific advisor at the Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden
Âş Miguel COTTON, founder of the Orchard of Flavours
Location:
Âş Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden, in Tavira, Portugal
Âş Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4Qeg8gR1EeUr4pvL8
Time:
9:30 AM —> 4:30 PM
Number of participants:
Âş For quality reasons, limited openings: maximum 18 people per workshop
Language:
Âş English (and possible translation to French)
Price:
Âş 110 EUR contribution per person for the workshop preparation and facilitation
Âş Any extra donation will be used in the development of the Botanical Garden
º If you’re not satisfied, you’ll receive a full refund
Payment conditions:
Âş 50% when booking (non-refundable)
Âş 50% at the Orchard
If you are an Orchard of Flavours member, please use this code to access the discounted price for this workshop: FRUITLOVER20
If you aren't a member yet, learn all about our Membership Program, and join us!
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Food Tree Care Importance
Understanding Food Tree Growth Cycles
Pruning Basics
Pruning Methods
Nutrient Supply
Food Tree Watering and Irrigation Systems (an introduction)
Watering Frequency and Timing (an introduction)
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—> Complete Table of Contents for this Workshop (PDF Download)
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Bring:
a notebook and a pen
sunblock and a hat
comfortable clothes for working in the garden
water bottle
some food for a shared picnic
please bring your own pruning shears
In case of rain:
we will go ahead with everything as planned
we have a backup plan to do the workshop in a very nice sheltered area.
The orchard has got ample parking spaces and two dry toilets.
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us an email! miguel@orchardofflavours.com
đź“ť Limited openings
Miguel COTTON, Orchard of Flavours’ founder and workshop instructor
Dror AVITAL, Orchard of Flavours’ scientific advisor and workshop instructor
Some of the highlights of our “Food Forest & Island of Fertility” workshop, at Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden, in Tavira. Notice the different subject, but know we put all our effort into every workshop.
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A few comments from previous workshop participants:
“The penny dropped regarding feeding the trees and plants and I am also feeling much more confident about the process of pruning. I really enjoyed the day and many thanks to the whole team.” — Dave, UK
“It was very interesting to get to know the "Orchard of Flavours" project, both the theoretical aspects and the practical! It is an especially interesting initiative to the region of Algarve (even if limited to areas where irrigation water is provided to farmers). The workshop gave me a good vision.” — Guida, Portugal
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Food Tree Care workshop.
It was very well prepared and professionally run. It covered everything I need to know - obviously, you can´t cover every tree and every problem, but I feel equipped to tackle the trees I can reach.” — Tessa, UK
“I really enjoyed the workshop. I feel like I learned a lot and that I now have a structured way to approach the planting of my fruit trees. I have a better understanding of how to care for them and what issues to look out for. I'm also happy to have met a number of other people that are all interested in fruit gardens, it is nice to feel part of a community.” — Emily, Australia
Curious about our other Food Tree Workshops?
Discover what else we are teaching at the “Orchard of Flavours Academy”
Master eco-friendly pest control techniques, like using natural predators. Gain the practical skills to protect and care for your garden, orchard or Food Forest!
The founder of the Orchard of Flavours edible botanical garden as well as two propagation specialists will tell you all their secrets about plant propagation.
The Cocoon Food Forest is a powerful solution to help your food trees thrive! Transform your garden with our proven technique!
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us an email! miguel@orchardofflavours.com