Workshop : Plant Physiology for Subtropical Food Trees
— How fruit trees and other edible plants from warm countries really work in Mediterranean climates
Next dates: Friday, October 9th 2026
Some of the Fruit Tree Physiology diagrams we prepared for the manual: Overview, Domestication and Orchard Diagnostic checklist
Miguel COTTON addressing the class in the Food Tree Academy tent
The Food Tree Academy tent, under one of our old Carob trees
Some of the Fruit Tree Physiology diagrams we prepared for the manual: Self-fertile vs Self-sterile, How trees drink and 11 Key Rules for Mediterranean Climates
Miguel COTTON leading a tour of the botanical garden during a workshop
A few fruits from the Orchard
Some of the Fruit Tree Physiology diagrams we prepared for the manual: The Limiting Factors, Botanical Fruit Classification and What is a Fruit Tree?
Group photo with one of our classes
Workshop participants following the class with help from the provided manuals
Shared lunch is served! A great opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of like-minded folks
📝 Apply for this workshop
Subtropical food trees struggle in Mediterranean climates not because of poor care, but because their biology is often misunderstood.
Hot, dry summers, mild winters, irregular water, and increasing extremes push trees close to their physiological limits. When generic or temperate-climate advice is applied, stress is often increased instead of reduced.
This workshop explains how subtropical fruit trees actually function — and why plant physiology is the key to long-term success.
Facilitators:
º Miguel COTTON, founder of the Orchard of Flavours
º Brian OTTWAY, Botanist at the University of Galway, Ireland
º Lucas OLIVEIRA, Agronomist, Coimbra university
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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This workshop focuses on the internal functioning of trees:
water uptake and transport
root oxygen and failure
sugar production and energy balance
the effects of heat, drought, pruning, and nutrition
The goal is not techniques or calendars, but understanding biological limits that shape tree behaviour.
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Many tree problems are caused not by lack of inputs, but by interventions applied at the wrong biological moment.
Understanding physiology allows you to:
identify the real limiting factor
avoid irreversible early mistakes
adapt management to Mediterranean conditions
Once the limit is clear, most problems become simpler.
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You will learn how to:
recognise stress before damage is visible
manage water and heat without forcing growth
adapt pruning and fertilisation to evergreen subtropical trees
make decisions based on tree function, not recipes
All concepts are explained in clear, practical language.
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This workshop is for:
gardeners and growers of subtropical food trees
people growing citrus, avocado, mango, loquat, annonas, and similar species
anyone facing repeated failures despite good care
No scientific background is required.
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At Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden (BGCI accredited), these principles were learned through long-term observation and field experience in Mediterranean conditions.
Understanding how trees work gives growers real leverage.
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How Trees Really Function
Evergreen vs Deciduous Logic
Roots, Water, and Oxygen
Sugar, Energy, and Balance
Heat, Drought, and Stress
Flowers, Fruit, and Timing
Pruning as a Physiological Act
Reading Trees Using Limiting Factors
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—> Complete Table of Contents for this Workshop (PDF Download)
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By the end of this workshop, you will:
Understand how subtropical fruit trees function internally
Know why common practices succeed or fail
Be able to read stress signals earlier and more clearly
Make decisions based on biology, not recipes
Gain real leverage in Mediterranean growing conditions
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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
Lucas OLIVEIRA, agronomic engineer, trainer and workshop instructor at the Orchard of Flavours
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:
“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 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