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Learn to grow plants naturally through this home study Organic Plant Culture Online Course from ADL
An Outstanding and Extensive Foundation Course. Globally focused and regularly revised by experts from the UK and Australia.
Develop a solid understanding of the principles and procedures underlying the cultivation of plants by natural methods. Work with the environment and without the use of artificial fertilizers or sprays.
Introduction
A look at the various organisations that are involved
with the organic movement.
Plant Culture Learn about the basis of good plant and soil health with no-dig
principals and crop rotation.
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.
Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition Organic fetilisers such as manure based ones and how to use them.
Soil Management Green manure crops, cultivation techniques for minimising
soil disturbance and composting techniques to enhance the soil.
Pests & Diseases Understanding pests and diseases and environmental
problems with organic production.
Mulching This lesson looks at the importance of mulch and methods to use it
when producing organic crops.
Seeds Collecting, storing & sowing your own seeds.
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.
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.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:Â Organic Plant Culture BHT302
Explain the concepts and principles of organic growing, including the common techniques used in organic growing systems (Part A).
Explain the concepts and principles of organic growing, including the common techniques used in organic growing systems (Part B).
Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles (Part A).
Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles (Part C).
Determine soil management procedures, which are consistent with organic growing principles (Part B).
Explain how pests and diseases are controlled using organic growing principles
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
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals:
Determine the roles of different organic farming and gardening organisations.
Explain how organic crops can be ‘certified’ as being organic in your country.
Explain the application of crop rotation in a specified garden, or farm.
Describe the construction of a ‘No-Dig’ garden, using materials readily available in your locality.
Explain the intended aims of a specific ‘Permaculture’ designed garden.
Explain different organic growing concepts, including: biodynamics
Explain how organic matter may benefit plants growing in different soils.
Compare the advantages with disadvantages of using organic versus non-organic fertilizers.
Determine different organic fertilizers that are commonly available in your locality.
Compare factors affecting the selection of different organic fertilisers, including:
Proportions of different nutrients
Likelihood of burn
Buffering characteristics
Where it is to be used
Method of handling
Cost Availability
Determine mulch materials readily available for organic growing in your locality.
Compare different mulches suitable for organic growing systems, in terms of:
Interaction with water (eg. repellence, absorbency, drainage) Nitrogen draw down, Toxins Rate of decomposition, Insulation properties, Weed suppression, Availability Cost, Nutrient content, Ease of handling.
Explain how different, specified leguminous plant species, may be used to improve soil fertility.
Explain how different worm species may be used to improve soil fertility, on a specific site.
Determine how soils on a specific site may be managed, using organic principles.
Explain the different methods of natural control of pests and diseases, including:
Quarantine
Natural sprays
Physical controls
Plant selection
Use of natural predators
Environment manipulation.
Determine commercially available, naturally derived sprays that can be used in organic growing.
Explain the benefits of ten specified examples of companion planting, including:
Repelling pests away from crop plants
Attracting pests to bait plants
Improving soil (structure and nutrition)
Deterring growth of pests and diseases.
Develop criteria for evaluating pesticides, including natural pesticides, for use in an organic garden or farm.
Develop appropriate programs to control pests and diseases on different, specified cultivated plants.
Develop guidelines for seed variety selection, appropriate to organic plant culture.
Explain the importance of preserving seed sources of ‘older’ plant varieties.
Compile a catalogue ofdifferent, reliable seed sources for organic culture.
Explain appropriate methods for storage of different types of seed.
Explain various ways dormancy factors can affect seed germination.
Develop an annual timetable for planting different varieties of vegetables, appropriate to organic growing systems, in your district.
Compare the culture of different specified vegetable species, in organic with non-organic production.
Prepare organic production schedules for different food crops, including: vegetable, fruit and berry
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
This course is taught by:
Katie Freeth BSc. (Hons) Horticulture, (University of Bath); RHS General Examination; FI Hort; MIfpra.
An experienced and professional horticulturist with extensive management skills gained internationally; experienced in landscape management, staff supervision and management, written and oral communication, horticultural knowledge and application, supported by organisational and administrative skills and attention to detail.
Katie brings 20 years experience in Horticulture and is an accomplished lecturer, horticulture consultant and freelance writer. Katie is a judge for the International Awards for Liveable Communities in the Whole City Category.
Katie also worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in France for approx 5 years first as a Sector Manager and then as an Area Manager; management of the cemeteries, peripatetic teams of gardeners (UK & French nationality) for the constructed cemeteries and memorials and static French nationality gardeners for small town/village plots.
Susan Stephenson BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983.
City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984)
Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction.Â
Susan Stephenson is a passionate and experienced horticulturist and garden designer. She has authored three books, lectures at 2 Further and Higher Education Colleges, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds about the wonders of plants and garden design, and tutors many students by correspondence from all over the world.
Susan studied botany at Royal Holloway College (Univ of London) and worked in the trading industry before returning to her first love plants and garden design. She is therefore, well placed to combine business knowledge with horticulture and design skills. Her experience is wide and varied and she has designed gardens for families and individuals. Susan is a mentor for garden designers who are just starting out, offering her support and advice and she also writes, delivers and assesses courses for colleges, introducing and encouraging people into horticulture and garden design.
Susan is a Professional Associate and exam moderator and holds the RHS General with Distinction. She continues to actively learn about horticulture and plants and (as her students will tell you) remains passionate and interested in design and horticulture.
She also supervised the Area Arboriculture Team and was Exhumations Officer€“ in charge of collecting discovered remains and arranging identification (if poss) and interment of same.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
Choose Your Learning Method You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline.
Tutor Allocation Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited.
Feedback and Assignments Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. Â
Set Tasks and Self-Tests Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests.
Exams Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead. Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this.
Design Your Own Qualification ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning? A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books? A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc) A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit? A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date? A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy? A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students? A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start? A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world? A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course? A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take? A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work? A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do? A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work? A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module? A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done? A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive? A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification? A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript? A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they? A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time? A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done? A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
Assignments Marked
Professional Tutor Feedback
Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL? A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas? A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification? A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)? A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications. A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include? A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q: When Do Exams Take Place? A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams? A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK. Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q: Exam Pass Marks? A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification: 50% pass for all modules. Commendation awarded for all modules. Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results? A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,
To speak to one of our course advisors, please enter your name and phone number below and click the "Please Call Me" button. We will call you back as soon as possible!
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By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.
Katie Freeth
Susan Stephenson