Introduction to Horticulture
This course provides an introduction to horticulture practices, focusing on sustainable gardening, plant propagation, and crop management. It is designed for beginners who want to start or expand on their plant growing skills and knowledge.
Course aims / learning outcomes
Develop practical skills in plant propagation, soil preparation, and crop maintenance.
Promote sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support community resilience.
Educate on safe handling of tools and materials, in line with Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Build confidence in applying horticulture knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as community gardens and market gardens.
Course content
Term1 - Plant Nursery
What is germination and how do we achieve it? Why do we grow in a nursery, and how does it benefit plants?
Term 2 - Planting and Harvesting
How do we plant and care for crops, and how does it differ from a commercial operation? How do we know when to harvest and how to do it without damaging the mother plant?
Term 3 - Fruit trees
Covering the basics of how to select, plant and care for fruit trees. What is grafting? and how do we prune trees for health and fruit production?
Term 4 - Supporting plant productivity
How do plants feed and what do they need? What is compost? How do we support plant growth and productivity?
Assessment statement
Level 2 - up to 15 credits all internal and practical based
Level 3 - up to 15 credits all internal and practical based
Authenticity
- Assignments that take place over time will be produced in an online system such as Google Docs. Learning Advisors will monitor student work by accessing document history. A portion of work will need to be completed during class time under Learning Advisor supervision.
- Class tests will take place under supervised test conditions within class.
- All practical work will need to be signed off by the Learning Advisor and in most cases photographic evidence is required for Unit standards.
Appeal Procedures
- Students have the right to appeal the mark they have been awarded. If a student wishes to appeal a grade, they should initially talk to the subject learning advisor about the marking process immediately after the marked assessment task is shown to them. If still dissatisfied the student should make an appointment and discuss grades with the Principal’s Nominee who will check that the correct procedures have been followed as outlined in the school and subject policies taking into account any special circumstances.
Table of Assessments
Level 2
| Number | Name | Credit value | Internal or External | Literacy Numeracy UE Reading/Writing | When | Reassessment opportunity | Type of assessment |
| 29508 | Sow seeds and monitor emergence and germination | 5 | Internal | None | Term 1 | ||
| 29504 | Prick out seedlings and transplant and pot on young plants in containers | 4 | Internal | None | Term 1 | ||
| 21212 | Harvest a horticultural crop by hand | 5 | Internal | None | Term 2 | ||
| 29502 | Plant out by hand | 5 | Internal | None | Term 2 | ||
| 29497 | Hand prune fruit trees | 8 | Internal | None | Term 3 | ||
| 31668 | Assist with horticultural activities which support crop productivity | 2 | Internal | None | Term 4 |
Level 3
| Number | Name | Credit value | Internal or External | Literacy Numeracy UE Reading/Writing | When | Reassessment opportunity | Type of assessment |
| 20560 | Grow nursery crops in containers | 10 | Internal | None | Term 1 | ||
| 29838 | Plant and care for plants | 5 | Internal | None | Term 2 | ||
| 32883 | Prune mature fruit trees | 5 | Internal | None | Term 3 | ||
| 29834 | Field or bud graft trees or vines | 5 | Internal | None | Term 3 | ||
| 21047 | Describe prepare and apply liquid fertilisers used in organic horticulture | 5 | Internal | None | Term 4 | ||
| 21045 | Describe compost making and make compost in organic horticulture | 5 | Internal | None | Term 4 |