Organic Gardening

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by organic gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3. You have 2 years to complete the course.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Lesson 1 – Introduction to organic gardening

• Composition of soil
• Deficiency symptoms

Lesson 2 – Organic matter

• Types of humus
• Soil organisms
• Organic manures
• Comfrey

Lesson 3 – The cultivation of vegetable crops

• Nutritional value of vegetables
• Mushrooms

Lesson 4 – Unusual vegetables

• Outdoor salad crops, sprouting seeds, blanching
• Freezing

Lesson 5 – The currants

• Less common fruit
• Planting, pruning, cultivation, propagation

Lesson 6 – Greenhouse siting, heating, ventilation, shading. Irrigation systems

Lesson 7 – Historical background of herbs

• The herb garden
• Growing herbs
• Propagation

Lesson 8 – Pests and diseases

• Part I: principles, control methods, companion planting

Lesson 9 – Pests and diseases

• Part II: for salad crops, soft fruit and tree fruits

Lesson 10 – History of the organic movement

• Further reading suggestions
• Poisonous plants

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 3. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• With the appropriate practical experience, you could work as a general gardener or in garden maintenance in the organic sector.
• If you already work as a gardener, you could boost your career opportunities by demonstrating to prospective employers and clients your understanding of this rapidly growing field
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
  Start Gardening – the Basics and Beyond
  The Principles of Gardening

You do not need previous gardening knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.