Workshop : Food Tree Pests & Diseases in Mediterranean Climates
Next dates: Wednesday, October 8th 2025
Removing armored scales using cotton buds and alcohol
Discussing the different negative effects pests and diseases can have on our food trees
Workshop participants following the class, with the help of the provided manuals
Introducing predators as biological protection to our crops
The Food Tree Academy tent, tucked nicely under one of the old Carob trees at the Orchard
Removing armored scales using cotton buds and alcohol
Food tree parasitized by scale insects
Showing how to apply one of the products to fight plant pests
The introduced predator Rodolia cardinalis (ladybug)
Miguel COTTON leading a tour of the botanical garden, during one of the workshops
Table with gardening products including fertilizers, pest control bottles, and plant supplements displayed outdoors.
A collection of leaves gathered at the Orchard, to show different plant ailments
The founder explaining a few concepts during a tour of the Orchard
Guided tour of the Orchard with the founder, Miguel COTTON
Introducing ladybug (Rodolia cardinalis) as a predator to control our crops
A few fruits from the Orchard
Miguel COTTON addressing the class in the Food Tree Academy tent
Group photo with one of our classes
📝 Apply for this workshop
Are pests and diseases affecting your food trees? Our specialized workshop will help you create a healthy, pest-resistant garden in Mediterranean climates. Learn to spot and manage common pests, identify and treat plant diseases, and improve soil health for stronger plants.
Master eco-friendly pest management techniques, like introducing natural predators or giving them a healthy environment by planting refuge flowers, and get hands-on experience in our Botanical Garden. Don’t let your harvest be ruined—gain the practical skills to protect and care for your Food Forest, by relying on biological control agents and staying away from pesticides.
Facilitators:
º Miguel COTTON, founder of the Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden
º Dror AVITAL, plant biologist & scientific advisor at the Orchard of Flavours
º Manuel LEITÃO, biological control expert at Koppert’s Biological Control Laboratory
Location:
º Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden, in Tavira, Portugal
º Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4Qeg8gR1EeUr4pvL8
Time:
9:30 AM —> 4:30 PM
Number of participants:
º For quality reasons, limited openings: maximum 18 people per workshop
Language:
º English (and possible translation to French)
Price:
º 110 EUR contribution per person for the workshop preparation and facilitation
º 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:
º 50% when booking (non-refundable)
º 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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Introduction to food tree Pests and Diseases
Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPM)
Identifying & treating Common Pests
Identifying & treating Common Diseases
Environmental impact on pests and diseases
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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
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
📝 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.
📝 Apply for this workshop
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
“Thank you so much for the course! I have greatly enjoyed it, it was very interesting, useful, hands-on. Most of my questions were answered in details. The structure of the course was very organized, easy to follow, duration of the course was ideal. I would absolutely recommend this course.” — Tatiana, Russia
“Many thanks again for a very informative and inspiring workshop. I thought your delivery of information - both on paper and in person - was both very professional and comprehensive. On a personal level, I appreciated the generosity, openness and kindness that you both brought to the workshop generally, and to us as individual novice gardeners.” — Bryony, UK
Curious about our other Food Tree Workshops?
Discover what else we are teaching at the “Orchard of Flavours Academy”
The Cocoon Food Forest is a powerful solution to help your food trees thrive! Transform your garden with our proven technique!
Delve into the art and science of plant care on this hands-on learning journey, where we'll dive into Pruning and Fertilizing.
Come learn everything you need to know about water in your Orchard or garden, from the basics of plant physiology to advanced irrigation techniques.
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us an email! miguel@orchardofflavours.com