This 6-module course explores the reasons for organic gardening, as well as key practical principles. Includes all course materials, extensive supplementary materials and full tutorial support. *New, updated and more focused course for 2010! Limited launch offer - enrol now for only £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; 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
how our online courses work
We email your study materials, one module at a time. All materials are supplied in a pdf format so you can save them on your computer and work through them at your own pace. You can also print sections off if you wish. You do not need to be connected to the internet to work through your study materials. Each module includes exercises to complete and a tutor-marked assignment.
When you have completed your assignment you email it to your tutor. He or she will send your next module immediately. Your tutor will also mark your assignment and return it with feedback within 7 days 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.
Module 6: Bringing it all together. Planning your organic garden. A year-round maintenance plan. Accreditation. Suppliers.
