A Gardening Course Tailored for Qatar’s Climate
About the Course
A Practical Gardening Course for Arid Climates
Gardening in dry, desert regions like Qatar comes with its own set of challenges from poor soil and intense heat to water scarcity and limited growing seasons. This course is designed for anyone ready to understand and overcome these conditions using sustainable, hands-on methods tailored to arid environments.
The course includes farm visits, practical activities, and plenty of opportunities to troubleshoot your own garden’s issues. Whether you’re working with a balcony box or a backyard bed, you’ll leave with the tools and confidence to grow successfully in desert conditions.
Course Details:
Course Duration: 9 months (6th of September 2025 to 30th April 2026)
Schedule: Every other Saturday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Format: Combination of online, indoor, and outdoor workshops
Age Group: Addressed to ages 18 years old and above
Capacity: Varies by workshop, from 20 to 40 participants
Meet our Instructors:
Eng. Vicky Damalou
With a Master’s degree in Agriculture and after working for some years in gardening and in agricultural production & marketing in Europe, I moved to Qatar in 2010. Ever since, I worked in production, marketing and sales in various agricultural businesses, in garden centers, in the establishment of greenhouses, and in the business development of landscaping and agricultural supplies companies. I have a solid knowledge of the gardening and agricultural practices of different crops in Qatar and through my workshops I would like to help the world become more green!
Eng. Dany Deaibess
I am an accomplished agronomist with over 17 years of experience in organic gardening, landscaping, and agriculture. Passionate about my work, I have been cultivating my own food in my backyard in Qatar for the past 12 years. I hold a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering, specializing in plant production and farm extensions. My expertise includes sustainable farming practices and innovative techniques to thrive in challenging climates. I am eager to share my knowledge and show you how to cultivate your own food and maintain a healthy garden, even in Qatar’s unique environment.
Tapawsi Gowda
My name is Tapaswi. Growing up, nature was a significant part of my life, fostering my love for it through outdoor exploration. After earning a master’s degree in Biotechnology, I worked for an agricultural company in India, then as a research assistant in genetics at Oxford University in the UK. Moving to Qatar in 2018, I developed a passion for sustainable living through gardening and composting, gaining a deep understanding of cultivating food and maintaining healthy plants in the desert environment.
Roberta Rosini
Hi, I’m Roberta Rosani, and I’ll be guiding you through the course. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Florence, and I’ve always been fascinated by how plants grow, adapt, and thrive especially in tough environments like Qatar. My passion lies in making plant science accessible and practical. Whether you’re completely new to gardening or looking to deepen your skills, I’m here to support you with hands-on learning, thoughtful guidance, and space to explore.
Course Overview:
Please zoom out if you cannot see the course overview table below.
| Date | Workshop | Description | Location | Price per Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 6th September 2025 | Desert Gardening by Eng. Dany Deaibess | Discover the unique challenges and rewards of gardening in arid environments. Learn about drought-resistant plants, soil amendments, and efficient watering techniques that make desert gardening successful and sustainable. | Online Session | 150 |
| Saturday, 13th September 2025 | Growing Microgreens by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Discover the world of microgreens in this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to grow these nutrient-packed plants from seed to harvest using soil-based and hydroponic methods. Gain practical skills to successfully cultivate fresh microgreens at home, no matter your gardening experience. | Workaholics, The Gate Mall | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 27th September 2025 | Gardening Basics by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Gain foundational knowledge in gardening basics, including choosing the right plants for your indoor space, proper repotting techniques, and updates on the progress of previously planted cuttings and seeds. | Workaholics, The Gate Mall | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 11th October 2025 | Seed and cutting techniques by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Explore various methods of plant propagation such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting. This hands-on workshop includes a demonstration of grafting techniques, providing practical skills for multiplying your favorite plants. | Workaholics, The Gate Mall | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 25th October 2025 | All about Soil by Eng. Dany Deaibess | Understand the importance of soil health in gardening. This workshop covers soil types, preparation methods, and amendments to create the perfect growing environment for your plants. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 1st November 2025 | Planting and Preparing Our Grid by Tapawsi Gowda | Dive into the practical aspects of planting and garden planning. Learn how to measure and prepare planting grids, and get hands-on experience with planting various vegetables and flowers. | Education City Micro-Farm | 150 QR |
| Saturday, 8th November 2025 | Composting by Tapawsi Gowda | Explore the principles of composting, sustainable farming, and permaculture. Learn how to create a biodiverse garden that supports ecological balance and sustainability. | Education City Micro-Farm | 200 QR |
| Saturday, 15th November 2025 | Winter Vegetables by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Focus on growing and caring for winter vegetables. This workshop covers essential plant care practices, including plant nutrition, pest control using neem oil, plant support techniques, and thinning. | Education City Micro-Farm | 150 QR |
| Saturday, 22nd November 2024 | Farm Visit 1 led by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Experience a guided tour of a local farm. Observe and learn from real-world agricultural practices, gaining insights that can be applied to your gardening endeavors. | QATFA | 200 QR |
| Saturday, 29th November 2025 | Underground Vegetables by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Discover the secrets to growing underground vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets. This workshop covers planting techniques, soil requirements, and harvesting tips for root vegetables. | Education City Micro-Farm | 250 QR |
| Saturday, 6-13th December 2025 | Hand-on practice with Eng. Vicky Damalou | Get your hands dirty with practical gardening activities. Prepare summer beds and apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout the course in a real-world setting. | Education City Micro-Farm | 100 QR |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | Aromatic Plants by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Explore the wonders of aromatic plants in this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to grow and care for fragrant herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary. Gain practical tips for cultivating these sensory-rich plants at home and discover their role in enhancing your garden experience. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 17th January 2026 | Landscape Principles – Part 1 by Eng. Dany Deaibess | Introduction to the basic principles of landscape design. Learn how to plan and design aesthetically pleasing and functional garden landscapes. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 31st January 2026 | Farm Visit 2 led by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Another insightful farm visit to deepen your understanding of agricultural practices. Gain practical knowledge and inspiration for your gardening projects. | AGRICO | 150 QR |
| Saturday, 7th February 2026 | Basics of Hydroponics by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Discover the basics of hydroponics in this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to grow plants without soil using water-based systems. Gain practical skills in setting up and maintaining a simple hydroponic system, perfect for small spaces and home gardening. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 21st February 2026 | Summer Vegetables by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Learn how to grow and care for summer vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and zucchini. This workshop covers planting, watering, and pest control for summer crops. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 28th February -21st March 2026 | Hand-On Practice by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Get your hands dirty with practical gardening activities. Prepare summer beds and apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout the course in a real-world setting. | Education City Micro-Farm | – |
| Saturday, 28th March 2026 | Indoor Plants by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Learn the essentials of indoor plant care in this hands-on workshop where you’ll explore how to choose, pot, and care for popular houseplants. Gain practical tips on watering, lighting, and keeping your indoor greenery healthy and thriving year-round. | Education City Micro-Farm | 300 QR |
| Saturday, 11th April 2026 | Revision and Closing by Eng. Vicky Damalou | Review key concepts and skills learned during the course. This final session includes a summary of the workshops, feedback, and discussions on future gardening projects. Celebrate your achievements and receive your course completion certificate. | Education City Micro-Farm | – |
Registration
Join us for a journey into the world of gardening, where you’ll gain valuable skills, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Enrollment Package:
With the Full Program Course, You will Get:
When you join our gardening course, you get access to a wealth of resources and community support:
- Raised Bed in the Community Garden: Valued at 600 QAR. You’ll have a dedicated raised bed at Education City Micro-Farm, provided you participate in community garden tasks and gatherings, just like all our members.
- All Tools and Materials: Everything required for the classes is included.
- Plants, Seeds, and Cuttings: Get started with a variety of plants, seeds, and cuttings.
- Continuous Support: Stay connected and get ongoing support through a dedicated WhatsApp group for the duration of the course.
- Certificate of Completion: Receive a certificate to recognize your achievement upon completing the course.
- Community Participation: Become part of a vibrant and supportive gardening community.
Course FAQs
Who can join the gardening course?
Our gardening course is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced gardeners. No prior gardening experience is required.
What happens if I missed a class?
If you miss a class, you will receive a summary of what was covered and any materials distributed during the session. Additionally, you can reach out through our WhatsApp group for further assistance and to catch up on any missed activities.
Do I need to bring anything to the classes?
All necessary tools and materials will be provided. However, you may want to bring a notebook for taking notes and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Can I register for an individual workshop?
Yes, you can register for individual workshop sessions if you are unable to commit to the full course. Please refer to the links in the course overview or check out the workshops available on our website.
Can I bring my children to the classes?
While the course is primarily designed for adults, children are welcome to accompany you. We encourage involving them in the gardening activities, but please ensure they are supervised at all times.
Terms & Conditions
- Refund Policy: Cancellations made up to 7 days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days of the course start date will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after the course has begun.
- Rescheduling Policy: Gardening is an outdoor activity, and outdoor classes might be rescheduled due to weather conditions. We will notify you as soon as possible of any changes to the schedule.
For the full list of our terms and conditions, please click here.
