*New, updated and more focused course for 2010! Limited launch offer - enrol now for just £175!

Study topics include: history of the organic movement; organic gardening and the environment; soil cultivation and management; organic cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops; the herb garden; an organic diet; accreditation of organic crops; greenhouse gardening; controlling pests and diseases; weed control;  conservation and the gardener; encouraging wildlife; the garden pond; planning your organic garden.

Students have up to three years to complete this course, allowing them to work through the modules at their own pace. On average, however, it takes students around 4 - 6 months to complete the course, based on 2 - 3 hours study time per week.

why choose us?

Our tutorial support is second-to-none! You'll be assigned a personal tutor as soon as you enrol who will work with you all the way through. You can contact your tutor directly at any time if you have any questions or problems, or if you would just like a chat about how the course is going. Tutorial support is by e-mail and/or telephone

detailed course outline

Course book -The Complete Gardener, Monty Don.

Module 1: Introduction. History of the organic movement. Organic gardening and the environment. Health benefits.

Module 2: Composition of soil. Deficiency symptoms. Soil conditioning. Organic matter. Humus. Soil organisms. Organic manures. Digging methods.

Module 3: Organic cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops. Propagation, seed/seedling sources, pruning, maintenance, harvesting. Selecting and cultivating herb species. Greenhouse gardening.

Module 4: Pests and diseases 1: Biological control, crop rotation, companion planting, protecting fruit and vegetables.

Module 5: Conservation and the gardener. Encouraging wildlife. The garden pond - maintenance, care, stocking.