National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge invites people in flats and apartments in London to give gardening a go by planting something this spring/summer to help green their cities, improve biodiversity and support wellbeing.

They’re running a series of workshops to help get you gardening

Balcony basics workshops
Friday 15 May, 6-8pm, Andover Community Centre
Saturday 16 May, 10:30am-12:30pm, Elizabeth House Community Centre
Sunday 17 May, 10am-12pm, King’s Square Community Centre

An introduction to balcony gardening covering how to use materials you might already have and how to pick the right plants for your balcony.  The events are being delivered by Mark Ridsill Smith AKA Vertical Veg and Chauntelle Lewis AKA The Barefoot Planter, experts in all things balcony gardening and food growing. All the workshops will include practical activities and free resources for participants to take away. Booking is encouraged as there are limited spaces. No gardening experience is necessary, you just need access to a window or balcony or an outdoor space.

Sign up today

Food growing workshops 

Friday 29 May, 6-8pm, Birchmore Hall Community Centre
Saturday 30 May, 10am-12pm, King’s Square Community Centre
Sunday 31 May, 3:30pm-5:30pm, Caxton House Community Centre

The Food Growing workshops will share tips and tricks for growing food on balconies. The events are being delivered by Mark Ridsill Smith AKA Vertical Veg and Chauntelle Lewis AKA The Barefoot Planter, experts in all things balcony gardening and food growing. All the workshops will include practical activities and free resources for participants to take away. Booking is encouraged as there are limited spaces. No gardening experience is necessary, you just need access to a window or balcony or an outdoor space.

Sign up today

One pot power for pollinators workshops

Friday 10 July, 6-8pm, Andover Community Centre
Saturday 11 July, 10am-12pm, King’s Square Community Centre
Sunday 12 July, 10am-12pm, Birchmore Hall Community Centre

One Pot Power for Pollinators workshops will explore how you can support pollinators with just one plant pot. The events are being delivered by Mark Ridsill Smith AKA Vertical Veg and Chauntelle Lewis AKA The Barefoot Planter, experts in all things balcony gardening and food growing. All the workshops will include practical activities and free resources for participants to take away. Booking is encouraged as there are limited spaces. No gardening experience is necessary, you just need access to a window or balcony or an outdoor space.

Sign up today 

Family friendly gardening activities

Sat 23 May, 10am-2pm, Angel Central Shopping Centre

Free creative family-friendly gardening activities and a chance to chat to the Sky Gardening Challenge about any balcony or window sill gardening questions. No need to book, drop in any time. Come along on the day and have a go!