%20(1200%20x%20800%20mm)(1).png)
One-Day Workshop for Practical Self-Sufficiency
From Garden to Grid: Practical Steps Toward Independence
Want to feel more capable, confident, and in control at home? Join us for DIY For Life! — a practical, one-day workshop designed to help you build the skills that matter most when it comes to living well and being prepared for whatever life brings.
Held at the Taupō Timebank Community Gardens, this practical course is perfect for beginners and covers everything from gardening and chickens to preserving food, water catchment, hydroponics, and even solar basics. Whether you want to grow your own veges, start a worm farm, build resilience into your daily life, or just survive in crazy times this is your starting point!
You’ll get a workbook, participate in guided activities, and leave with real-life skills you can apply immediately — plus a planting kit to kickstart your journey.
Let’s build skills for a stronger, more self-sufficient future — together.
“I feel like I don't need a man lol, but seriously I can do all of this stuff myself, so happy to see it all in one place too, very inspiring”
Rachel Worthington
🗓️ Day Schedule
9:00am – Goal Setting:
"What Would Make Your Home More Self-Reliant?"
We start the day by setting clear personal goals. Participants will reflect on their current living situation and identify 1–3 self-sufficiency goals they’d like to achieve.
9:30am – Soil & Garden Planning
“Grow What You Eat: Designing a Productive Garden”
An introduction to home food production. Learn how to assess your soil, understand microclimates, and plan a productive garden. We’ll cover seasonal planting, companion planting, crop rotation, how to build a garden bed and pest control strategies. Each participant will plant their own seedling tray to take home.
10:45am – Compost & Worm Farming
“Turning Scraps into Soil: Composting Made Simple”
Explore different composting systems (cold, hot,) and how to integrate worm farms for nutrient-rich fertiliser. Learn what to add (and avoid), how to troubleshoot, and how to create a sustainable waste system for your home and garden.
11:45am – Chickens 101
“Feathered Friends: Raising Chickens for Eggs and Companionship”
Discover how to raise backyard hens successfully. We’ll discuss choosing the right breeds, housing, feed, egg production, seasonal care, predator protection, and general health. You'll leave feeling confident about setting up your own small flock.
12:30pm – Shared Lunch
Relax and connect with others over a potluck lunch. A chance to share ideas, build community, and taste what others have brought.
1:15pm – Water Collection, Filtration & Irrigation
“Every Drop Counts: Harvesting and Using Rainwater Efficiently”
How to collect, store, filter, and use rainwater safely. We’ll discuss DIY rain barrel systems, first flush diverters, basic filtration, and how to install low-tech irrigation systems for gardens using gravity and timers.
2:00pm – Hydroponics 101 "Grow veggies without soil"
“Soil-Free Growing: An Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening”
Discover how to grow vegetables using water, light, and nutrients. We’ll explore wick systems, Kratky method, and small-scale hydro setups ideal for kitchens or garages. Learn about artificial lighting, solar and low-cost setups for growing year-round.
3:00pm – Food Preserving & Fermentation
“From Garden to Pantry: Preserving the Harvest Naturally”
Hands-on demonstration and discussion covering a range of preserving techniques:
-
Dehydrating & Jerky/Biltong
-
Sauerkraut & Kimchi
-
Kombucha & Water Kefir
-
Milk Kefir & Yogurt
-
Pickling & Bottling Basics
-
Pemmican (the ultimate survival food)
Learn what equipment you need, food safety tips, and recipes to try at home.
4:00pm – Your Next Steps
“Continuing the Journey: Resources and Community Connections”
We wrap up with group reflection, Q&A, and next steps. You'll leave with a clear action plan tailored to your home and lifestyle, along with resources, supplier links, and your seedling tray to start your journey.
*We cover the basics of these skills so that the information is not overwhelming, bring a notebook to write things down or take pictures/video as we go.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Just yourself, a water bottle, a packed lunch (or something to share for our potluck), and weather-appropriate clothing. All tools, materials, will be provided. Bring something to take notes on!
Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This course is designed as a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to self-sufficiency. No prior experience is needed.
Will I take anything home?
Yes! You'll take home a participant workbook and a planted seedling tray to help you get started right away.
What if it rains?
The course runs rain or shine, with covered areas available for all activities. Bring a raincoat and we’ll keep things cosy and productive.
How do I book or get more info?
Click the “Book Now” button above, or reach out to us directly via info@taupotimebank.org
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
