WORKSHOPS are to be held at the Yalding Organic Gardens near Maidstone for gardeners wanting to go organic. Managers at the pesticide-free display gardens want to show the average gardener that organic products do not mean more hassle.

"We're aiming for the average back gardener," said head gardener Nick Robinson, "so there will be organic ways to look after flowers and vegetables at these workshops."

The first workshop is on Saturday, April 20, and is free for paying guests to the gardens. Experts will be giving tips on natural pest controls and how to give up slug pellets and pesticides. The second is a composting workshop for those keen to rid their garden of waste, and will be held on Saturday May 18, also free for paying guests.

Composting experts from the Henry Doubleday Research Association, who run the gardens, will be on hand to explain myths and basic principles of garden recycling. The workshops on both days will last an hour and will be at 11am and 3pm.

The garden also has an organic café. For more details telephone 01622 814650.