‘Setting up a new market garden’ is a support offering for those considering starting a market garden. You will already be able to create a product or service. However, setting up on a new site and/or starting your own enterprise are challenging tasks. In this course we will cover some of the essential elements to consider and support you in developing your vision and plans.

You will be participating in:

  • a 2h online session covering some of the important aspects to consider,
  • a full day at Upper Ballaird Farm Co-op (seeing a business currently in season 2, further knowledge sharing, and assessing your market garden ideas and plans),
  • a final 1on1 advice session (1h) with Dr. Philipp Grunewald looking at your improved plans.

Upper Ballaird Farm Co-op is a social enterprise currently producing cut flowers and vegetables. We are a workers cooperative, sell directly (via CSA and subscriptions) as well as wholesale (restaurants, farm shops, florists, etc.). We are on a 9ha site that we are developing into an agroecological enterprise hub and demonstration site. Our team will be delivering the course with Dr. Philipp Grunewald being the lead facilitator. Philipp grew up in a plant nursery, studied business, and Upper Ballaird Farm is the 5th food business and 3rd farm Philipp is co-managing.

If you are a CSA member then you will receive a 15% discount for the course. Please email us: upperballaird@farmcoop.scot to book into the course.

Learning outcomes


You will be able to:
– Define and explain crucial aspects of setting up a market garden,
– Assess different aspects for their relevance and importance to your situation,
– Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a range of market gardening ideas and plans,
– Integrate your understanding and create a holistic idea and plan.

What is included


– 2.5h online session (covering different aspects of setting up a market garden).
– 1 day on site (9:30-16:30) at Upper Ballaird Farm Co-op (Balfron, Stirlingshire) looking at a Market Garden in season 2 and working on your ideas & plans.
– Lunch, tea, coffee provided.
– 1on1 session with the facilitator to receive feedback on market garden plans and ideas.
– 12 places max (but usually less).

Interested in the course?

We are currently finalising the dates and prices for the next course. Let us know you are interested and we will send you tentative dates and prices. We shall keep you posted.