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ORGANIC PLANT CULTURE BHT302

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification To obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

Organic Plant Culture Distance Learning Course.

  • New! Course substantially revised and updated.
  • Learn to grow plants naturally.
  • Develop a solid understanding of the principles and procedures underlying the cultivation of plants by natural methods.
  • Learn to work with the environment, without the use of artificial fertilisers or sprays.
  • Highly experienced and qualified tutors.

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Please note, choosing offline (USB stick) will attract a 5% surcharge on top of the course fee

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Study Organic Plant Culture by Distance Learning.

  • Learn to grow plants naturally by working with the natural environment, and avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals.
  • Understand soils and plant nutrition.
  • Learn how to manage soils.
  • Identify ways to deal with pests and diseases using ecologically sound practices.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

The course comprises 10 lessons as outlined, below.

Lesson 1. Introduction

A look at the various organisations that are involved with the organic movement.

Lesson 2. Plant Culture

Learn about the basis of good plant and soil health with no dig principals and crop rotation.

Lesson 3. Understanding Soils

If your soil is not good, the plants will not perform. Understand soil profiles, identify soil types, and the requirements to keep plants healthy.

Lesson 4. Fertilisers and Plant Nutrition

Organic fertilisers such as manure based ones and how to use them.

Lesson 5. Soil Management

Green manure crops, cultivation techniques for minimising soil disturbance and composting techniques to enhance the soil.

Lesson 6. Pests & Diseases

Understanding pests and diseases and environmental problems with organic production.

Lesson 7. Mulching

This lesson looks at the importance of mulch and methods to use it when producing organic crops.

Lesson 8. Seeds

Collecting, storing & sowing your own seeds.

Lesson 9. Vegetable Growing in your locality

The importance of selecting a suitable site and planning your crop. The A-Z of various vegetables you could look at growing.

Lesson 10. Fruit Growing in your locality

Establishing an orchard and the production aspects to consider. A-Z of various fruit tree types you could look at growing.

COURSE AIMS

  • Explain the concepts and principles of organic growing, including the common techniques used in organic growing systems.
  • Explain the concepts and principles of organic growing, including the common techniques used in organic growing systems.
  • Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles.
  • Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles.
  • Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles.
  • Explain how pests and diseases are controlled using organic growing principles.
  • To determine appropriate mulches for  use in different organic growing situations.
  • Determine the appropriate use of seed propagation, in organic plant culture.
  • Plan the production of an organically grown vegetable food crop.
  • Plan the production of an organically grown fruit crop.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

TUTOR COMMENT

"This is a very intensive course that develops your ability to grow and market a range of crops. Grow your own organic crops or advise others. Many opportunities exist in this field as public interest is rapidly increasing. Organic growing is the path to the future."
Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care., Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert 1V Assessment and Training., Adv.Dip.Hort. ACS Tutor

WHY STUDY WITH ACS

  • Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
  • You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
  • Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle.
  • Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.

THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING ORGANIC PLANT CULTURE

Interest in organically grown gardens and produce has been gaining traction for the past few decades as more and more people question the use of harsh chemicals in horticulture and agriculture. Not only can these chemicals affect natural ecosystems but they can also have residual effects on humans if consumed. Everyone can play a part in protecting the environment whether in the home garden or in other horticultural roles.

This course is suited to people who care about the environment and who are working in:

  • Horticulture
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental protection
  • Land care
  • Home gardens

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with us - connect with our expert tutors, use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

John Mason (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Nurseryman, Landscaper, Garden Writer, Parks Manager and Consultant. Over 45 years experience; working in Australia and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 100 books and editor for 4 different gardening magazines. John has been recognised by his peers being made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture in the UK, as well as by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
Maggi BrownMaggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades. Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .
Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.
Yvonne Sharpe (Horticulturist)Started gardening in 1966, studied a series of horticulture qualifications throughout the 1980's and 90's, culminating in an RHS Master of Horticulture. Between 89 and 1994, she worked teaching in horticultural therapy. Founded the West Herts Garden Association in 1990 and exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show in 1991. In 1994, Yvonne joined the staff at Oaklands College, and between 1996 and 2000 was coordinator for all Amenity Horticulture courses at that college. Since leaving Oakland she has been active as a horticultural consultant, retail garden centre proprietor and sessional lecturer (across many colleges in southern England). In 2000, she also completed a Diploma in Management.


Check out our eBooks

Plant LanguageAn essential companion for any horticulture enthusiast, professional or student, this ebook will help you pronounce and understand plant names.
Vertical Gardening and FarmingA practical and inspiring source of reference needed by anyone considering growing plants vertically, whether for food or amenity. Vertical gardens are increasingly important in our modern world, particularly in any places where space is at a premium. Growing this way allows us to fit many more plants into every square metre of land. It allows food to be produced in cities and urban areas, and it increases the biomass able to be established within built up areas.
Organic GardeningFor decades farmers have relied upon chemicals to control pests and diseases in order to produce saleable crops. In the ornamental, vegetable and fruit gardens reliance on chemical controls has also been the mainstay for many gardeners.
Fruit, Vegetables and HerbsThe Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs ebook is ideal for students, professionals and home gardening enthusiasts alike. Fruit, Vegetable and Herbs provides an overview in techniques to produce food in the garden. Topics covered within this course include 1/ Food from the garden, 2/ Deciding what to grow, 3/ Successful growing, 4/ Fruits, 4-1/ Deciduous fruit trees, 4-2/ Citrus fruits, 4-3/ Tropical fruits, 4-4/ Berries, 4-5/ Nuts, 4-6/ Vine crops, 4-7/ Using produce, 5/ Vegetables, 6/ Mushrooms, 7/ Special growing techniques