Once the gardening bug bites you soon discover that there is so much more to learn.

Gardeners want to know more and that is why we wrote this great course – so you can:

• Learn practical gardening skills
• Beautify your garden
• Express your creativity
• Grow your own food
• Choose the right plant for the right place
• Identify plants
• Identify pests and diseases
• Understand design concepts

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

• Basic Plant Identification & Culture
• Soils & Nutrition
• Pests & Weeds
• Landscaping
• Propagation
• Lawns
• Indoor Gardening
• The Kitchen Garden

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

What You Will Do

• Read notes written and supplied by staff of this school
• Watch instructional video
• Test and name different soils
• Mix inexpensive potting mixes
• Make compost and explain how you made it.
• Learn how to identify plants effectively.
• Explain step by step how you would go about planting shrubs in your own locality.
• Explain how to transplant and transport plants from one propertyu to another.
• Determine the tools required to do gardening for a property, using a limited supply of money.
• Explain characteristics of soil, including: Soil Structure, pH and Nutrient Deficiency
• Describe how to fertilize a lawn
• Explain how to improve drainage in a soil that is too wet for plants to do well in.
• Explain how you would improve a specified soil
• Identify a nutrient deficiency
• Observe and identify different categories of pest and disease problems in growing plants.
• Compile a weed collection with pressings or illustrations of different weeds
• Compile a plant collection with pressings or illustrations of different weeds
• Describe how environmental problems affect plants
• Recommend ways of controlling different types opf problems in plants, using both natural and chemical.
• Observe and evaluate different types of gardens.
• Survey a garden in order to prepare a garden design.
• Apply a systematic procedure to landscape design, in order to produce a concept plan for a garden.
• Explain mistakes have you observe in the design and construction of different rockeries
• Build a simple cold frame and us it to propagate plants.
• Prepare propagating mix which would be suitable for striking most types of cuttings.
• Propagate different plants from cuttings.
• Prepare a plan for sowing annual flower seedlings over a 12 month period.
• Evaluate and explain a lawn seed mix from the packaging of that mix
• Observe different lawns and recommend their treatment
• Explain how to establish a lawn
• Observe and evaluate the condition of different indoor plants.
• Recommend the treatment of different indoor plants.
• Prepare lists of indoor plants for different applications.
• Find an indoor plant which needs potting up & pot it up.
• Plant a vegetable patch.
• List fruit, nuts & berries most suited for growing in your locality
• Observe the way in which herbs are used commercially (eg. in medicine, cooking etc)
• Explain why crop rotation is used in growing vegetables?

A Statement of Attainment in a Home Garden Expert Course is ideal for a diverse range of individuals who have a keen interest in garden design, maintenance, and sustainability. Here are the key groups who would benefit from this course:

• Aspiring Garden Designers

Individuals who aim to start a career in garden design will find this course invaluable. It provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to create and maintain beautiful, functional home gardens.

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers

Existing professionals in the gardening and landscaping industry can expand their expertise and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. This qualification can enhance their service offerings and attract more clients.

• Homeowners and Gardening Enthusiasts

Homeowners with a passion for gardening can benefit greatly from this course. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to design, plant, and maintain their own gardens, enhancing the beauty and value of their property.

• Real Estate Agents and Property Developers

Real estate professionals and developers can use this course to understand how well-designed home gardens can increase property appeal and value. This knowledge can help them make informed decisions about landscaping projects.

• DIY Gardeners and Hobbyists

Individuals who enjoy do-it-yourself gardening projects will gain practical, hands-on experience from this course. It enables them to undertake more sophisticated gardening tasks with confidence and skill.

• Environmental and Horticultural Consultants

Consultants working in environmental and horticultural fields can broaden their scope of services by incorporating home garden design and maintenance. This course provides the expertise needed to advise clients on creating sustainable and attractive gardens.

• Community Garden Coordinators

People involved in planning and managing community gardens can apply the principles learned in this course to design and maintain effective and appealing garden spaces within residential communities, fostering community engagement and environmental awareness.

• Educators and Trainers

Educators in horticulture, environmental science, or related fields can update their curriculum with the latest in-home garden design and maintenance techniques, ensuring their students receive relevant and current knowledge.

Key Benefits of the Course:

• Comprehensive Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of home garden design, planting, and maintenance.
• Professional Recognition: Achieve a credential that enhances your credibility and career prospects in gardening and landscaping.
• Practical Skills: Develop hands-on experience in creating and maintaining home gardens.
• Sustainable Practices: Learn how to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into garden design and maintenance.
• Creative Solutions: Enhance your ability to design innovative and attractive garden spaces.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other gardening professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge and experiences.

By completing the Statement of Attainment in a Home Garden Expert Course, individuals can enhance their gardening skills, improve their professional capabilities, and contribute to the creation of beautiful, sustainable home gardens.