We run a range of Level 1 and Level 2 City and Guilds horticulture courses throughout the year from our site in Chingford.
We currently have places available on Level 1 courses on Tuesdays (starting 27 January) and at weekends (starting late February).
Practical Horticultural Skills – Food Growing – City and Guilds Level 1 Award
Tuesdays 10.30-4.30pm.
27 January, 3, 10, 24 February, 3, 10, 17, 24 March
OR
Saturday and Sunday 10.30-4.30pm
28 February, 1 March, 21 March, 18 April, 9 May, 6 June, 27 June
Who is the course for?
This course is designed to offer foundation knowledge and technical skills for anyone who is thinking about working as a food grower or who wants to enhance food production knowledge for the home or allotment environment. It also acts as a gateway to a range of Level 2 course options. You will be studying in a community market garden environment with a blend of classroom guided learning and practical tasks to build confidence in techniques and seek guidance when needed.
Topics covered include: Understanding soil: Soil types, structure, and nutrient-take-up | Making compost and other fertility products and using them to improve your soil | Garden cultivation techniques – appropriate tools | Planting design considerations including the needs of different food crops; spacing, pest management and other aftercare including weed identification and management | Seed-sowing techniques | A crop calendar to support you to grow with the seasons | Understanding the role of organic food growing in a changing climate.
Qualification:
This course is accredited by the City and Guilds. There is no exam. Assessment is continuous and includes worksheets and opportunities to demonstrate knowledge in practical tasks.
Pricing:
The standard fee for this course is £450. We have solidarity payment guidance that supports a self-assessment. Please think about whether you can pay a solidarity rate (standard fee plus up to 50% or more). You may also feel once you have read the guidelines that you could request to pay a discounted rate (standard fee minus 50%).
In addition to reduced fee places, we have funding that allows us to offer a free place to those who are on Full Universal Credit.
To register for a place and obtain more information about this opportunity, including fees, please contact courses@organiclea.org.uk
