Course Objectives:

• To establish a good understanding of the basic horticultural principles to be used in good gardening techniques.
• A clear understanding of how plants function i.e. roots, stems, leaves and seeds for propagation.
• A practical understanding of the soil types in your garden.
• Understanding the major plant nutrients and how they affect your garden.
• A clear understanding of the role that insects play in our gardens.
• Practical tips for developing easy and effective maintenance procedures – yours and clients gardens.
• Practical plant propagation principles.

Module 1: Plants and propagation thereof

• How plants work
• Roots, Stems and leaves
• Flowers
• Seeds
• Propagation methods using the above
• Questions
• Assignment

Module 2: Soils and composts

• Garden soils
• Compost making
• Sands, clays and loams
• Improve your soil
• How to make and use compost
• Questions
• Assignment

Module 3: Fertilisers

• Fertilisers
• Understanding fertiliser formulas
• The Big 3
• Fertilizer types
• Synthetic or organic
• Questions
• Assignment

Module 4: Pest and weed management

• Pests, Diseases and treatments
• Integrated pest management system
• Protecting your plants
• Common garden pests and garden diseases
• The Gardener’s allies
• What is a weed, why are AIP’s a problem and why go indigenous?
• Questions
• Assignment