The Fruit and Vegetable Gardener (Level 2)

This course will provide you with the necessary foundation, skills and knowledge to work in fruit and vegetable production on community farms, gardens and allotments.

The course is half classroom based and half practical work on our allotment and at Forty Hall Farm’s market garden. During the course you will also gain an insight into starting and running a food growing project.

You will learn

How to assess soil conditions and prepare the ground for sowing

How to compost and the importance of organic matter

How to propagate from seed and stem cuttings

How to plant out and maintain crops including learning how plants grow best

Pruning techniques for popular fruit trees

Pruning techniques for soft fruit bushes and canes

How to identify damage caused by plant pests and diseases and how to protect your crops

The different ways of growing including organic growing, no dig and hydroponics

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course

You do not need previous experience, just a willingness to learn

You will need to undertake some independent study

You may be asked to attend an interview to explore your interests, experience and ambitions

What next?

Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to our Advanced Technical Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture (Level 3), or an RHS Level 2 Certificate or Diploma. Alternatively, you can enter employment in the landscaping and gardening industry, or voluntary work in gardens, parks, charities and community gardens.