PPW Plant Propagation Workshop
Portugal | 10/11 October 2026
Learn Plant Propagation Techniques in central Portugal Portugal
Course by Helder Valente and
New School Permaculture team.
Learn How to Propagate Your Own Plants
This training combines two complementary workshops:
Healthy agroforestry systems begin with healthy plants.
This practical workshop teaches reliable propagation techniques that allow you to produce your own trees, shrubs and perennial crops.
Plant propagation is one of the most valuable skills for anyone interested in gardening, farming, agroforestry or regenerative agriculture. By learning how to successfully propagate plants, you can produce your own fruit trees, shrubs, herbs and perennial crops without relying on commercial nurseries.
Whether your goal is to establish a productive food forest, expand an orchard, conserve rare plant varieties or simply grow more plants for your garden, propagation gives you the knowledge and confidence to create healthy, resilient planting material.
During this workshop you will learn proven propagation techniques through practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, allowing you to understand not only how to propagate plants, but also why different methods are used for different species and seasons.
Topics include
- Uncoventional plants and food crops
- Seed propagation
- Seed collection
- Seed storage
- Seed treatment
- Germination techniques
- Taking cuttings
- Division
- Layering
- Grafting basics
- Nursery management
- Potting mixes
- Root development
- Caring for young plants
Participants will take part in practical propagation sessions throughout the workshop.
Practical Learning
This workshop combines practical field experience with the scientific principles behind successful plant propagation.
By the end of the workshop you will be able to:
- Select the most suitable propagation method for different plant species.
- Improve seed germination using appropriate treatments and growing conditions.
- Propagate plants from cuttings, division and layering.
- Understand the basic principles of grafting and when it should be used.
- Produce healthy nursery plants for gardens, orchards and agroforestry systems.
- Prepare suitable growing media and propagation environments.
- Care for young plants during their establishment phase.
- Apply propagation techniques to regenerative agriculture, food forests and ecological restoration projects.
All techniques are demonstrated or practised during the workshop, giving participants the confidence to continue propagating plants at home or in professional projects.
Learning takes place outdoors whenever possible.
You will:
- Observe existing agroforestry systems
- Analyse landscapes
- Identify species
- Design planting systems
- Propagate plants
- Work in small groups
- Receive practical guidance throughout the workshops
The emphasis is on learning by doing.
Meet Your Teacher
Helder Valente
Helder Valente is the founder of New School Permaculture and has dedicated many years to studying, teaching and applying permaculture and regenerative design principles.
His work focuses on creating productive landscapes that integrate food production, biodiversity, soil regeneration and water conservation. Through practical education and hands-on experience, Helder helps participants understand natural ecological processes and apply them to farms, gardens, community projects and private land.
His teaching style combines ecological theory with practical field experience, giving participants the confidence to design and implement regenerative systems suited to Mediterranean climates and beyond.
Why Attend This Workshop?
Unlike many classroom-based courses, this workshop focuses on learning by doing. Every participant has the opportunity to practise propagation techniques under guidance while working with real plants in a living landscape.
The workshop is suitable for beginners who want to develop practical gardening skills, as well as experienced growers looking to improve their understanding of propagation techniques used in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.
By joining this workshop you will gain practical knowledge that can immediately be applied to home gardens, farms, community projects, nurseries and ecological restoration initiatives. The skills you learn will help you become more self-reliant, reduce the cost of buying plants and increase your ability to establish diverse, productive and resilient landscapes.
What You Will Take Home
After completing these workshops you will have:
- A solid understanding of agroforestry principles
- Greater confidence designing regenerative systems
- Practical propagation skills
- Better understanding of tree ecology
- Knowledge of species selection
- Improved design skills
- Practical experience gained in the field
- Inspiration for your own projects
Why Learn with New School Permaculture?
At New School Permaculture, we believe that meaningful learning happens through direct experience. Our workshops combine ecological understanding with practical application, allowing participants to develop real skills that can be immediately applied to gardens, farms, community projects and regenerative landscapes.
Helder Valente has been involved in the permaculture movement for more than 30 years, teaching, designing and learning alongside communities around the world. Over the decades he has travelled to more than 50 countries, sharing knowledge across diverse climates, cultures and ecological conditions while facilitating hundreds of workshops and courses.
This international experience provides a broad perspective that is grounded in practical reality. Rather than offering fixed solutions, our teaching focuses on understanding ecological principles and adapting them to local conditions. Participants learn not only techniques, but also how to observe, analyse and make informed decisions within their own landscapes.
Workshops are intentionally kept practical, interactive and supportive. Learning takes place through observation, hands-on activities and direct participation, ensuring that every participant gains confidence through experience rather than theory alone.
Our goal is simple: to empower people with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create resilient, productive and regenerative systems that continue to evolve long after the workshop has ended.
About the Venue
The workshops take place in Portugal's spectacular Portalegre Region.
The site provides an ideal indoor and outdoor classroom where participants can observe regenerative systems, forest gardens, orchards and Mediterranean landscapes while learning practical agroforestry design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience?
No. Beginners and experienced practitioners are equally welcome.
Is the course practical?
Yes. The workshops combine classroom learning with extensive hands-on activities.
Will I receive course materials?
Yes. Participants receive supporting learning materials during the workshops.
What language is the course taught in?
Depending on students main language it can be in PT or ENG with translation.
Can I attend only one workshop?
Yes. Each workshop can be attended independently, although together they provide a complete learning experience.
Reserve Your Place
Places are limited to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
If you would like to develop practical skills in agroforestry design and plant propagation while learning in one of Portugal's most inspiring landscapes, we invite you to join us this October at New School Permaculture.
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