Gardener Course

Lesson 1 • Plant Anatomy and Basic Biology

Covers roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds and their functions. Establishes the biological vocabulary needed throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Environmental Factors Affecting Plant Health

Examines how light, temperature, humidity, and wind influence plant performance. Prepares students to diagnose environmental stress in the garden.

Lesson 3 • Plant Growth Cycles and Lifecycles

Explains annual, biennial, and perennial growth patterns and dormancy. Connects lifecycle knowledge to planting schedules and garden planning.

Lesson 1 • Soil Amendment and Improvement Strategies

Covers organic and inorganic amendments and their appropriate applications. Students formulate improvement plans based on soil test results and plant goals.

Lesson 2 • Soil pH and Nutrient Availability

Explains how pH controls nutrient solubility and microbial activity. Students learn to test pH and match soil conditions to plant requirements.

Lesson 3 • Soil Composition and Structure

Covers mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water ratios in soil. Provides the foundation for understanding drainage, aeration, and root penetration.

Lesson 4 • Soil Drainage and Water Retention

Teaches percolation testing and identification of drainage problems. Connects drainage management to root health and disease prevention.

Lesson 1 • Tool Maintenance and Storage

Teaches cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and correct storage of hand and power tools. Routine maintenance extends tool life and ensures safe, effective performance.

Lesson 2 • Power Tools and Machinery Operation

Covers safe startup, operation, and shutdown of mowers, trimmers, and cultivators. Students apply manufacturer guidelines and pre-use inspection routines.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools: Selection and Correct Use

Identifies spades, forks, hoes, rakes, trowels, and pruners and their specific tasks. Proper grip and technique prevent strain and improve productivity.

Lesson 4 • Personal Protective Equipment

Specifies PPE requirements for chemical handling, power tools, and manual tasks. Matching PPE to hazard type is practised through scenario exercises.

Lesson 1 • Vegetative Propagation Methods

Teaches stem, leaf, and root cuttings alongside division and layering techniques. Each method is matched to appropriate plant types and seasons.

Lesson 2 • Transplanting and Bare-Root Planting

Guides students through correct hole preparation, root handling, and backfilling. Proper technique reduces transplant shock and accelerates establishment.

Lesson 3 • Container and Pot Planting

Covers drainage layer setup, potting mix selection, and container sizing. Students match container type and mix to plant water and nutrient needs.

Lesson 4 • Hardening Off and Establishment Care

Explains the gradual acclimatisation process from protected to outdoor conditions. Students apply watering and monitoring routines during the critical establishment period.

Lesson 1 • Water Requirements and Soil Moisture

Explains how plant type, soil texture, and weather determine watering frequency. Students use visual and tactile checks to assess soil moisture accurately.

Lesson 2 • Water Conservation Techniques

Teaches mulching, rainwater harvesting, and timing strategies to reduce water use. Conservation practices are linked to cost savings and environmental responsibility.

Lesson 3 • Fertiliser Application and Scheduling

Covers application rates, timing, and methods to avoid nutrient burn and runoff. Students build a seasonal feeding schedule aligned with plant growth stages.

Lesson 4 • Irrigation Systems and Methods

Covers drip, soaker hose, sprinkler, and hand-watering systems and their efficiency. Students select and set up the appropriate system for different garden zones.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Pruning

Explains why plants are pruned and how cuts affect regrowth and plant structure. Students apply the three Ds rule and understand apical dominance.

Lesson 2 • Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Covers formative, maintenance, and renovation pruning for woody plants. Timing is matched to flowering habit and growth cycle of each plant group.

Lesson 3 • Pruning Roses and Climbers

Teaches group-specific rose pruning and the training of climbing and rambling plants. Students practise tying in, deadheading, and seasonal cutback routines.

Lesson 4 • Lawn Maintenance Operations

Introduces mowing heights, edging, scarifying, aerating, and overseeding routines. Students build a year-round lawn care calendar for different grass types.

Lesson 1 • Common Garden Pests and Controls

Covers identification and management of insects, molluscs, and vertebrate pests. Students match control methods to pest biology and damage type.

Lesson 2 • Weed Identification and Control

Distinguishes annual from perennial weeds and explains their different control needs. Students apply mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods proportionately.

Lesson 3 • Plant Diseases: Identification and Management

Teaches recognition of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases by symptom patterns. Students apply cultural and chemical management strategies appropriately.

Lesson 4 • Integrated Pest Management Principles

Introduces the IPM hierarchy: prevention, monitoring, biological, and chemical controls. Students apply a decision-making framework before selecting any intervention.

Lesson 1 • Hard Landscaping and Garden Features

Covers paths, patios, edging, raised beds, and water features as design elements. Students integrate hard and soft landscaping for functional, attractive outdoor spaces.

Lesson 2 • Design Principles and Garden Styles

Introduces balance, rhythm, focal points, scale, and unity in garden composition. Students analyse existing garden styles to extract applicable design principles.

Lesson 3 • Project Planning and Work Scheduling

Teaches phased work planning, resource estimation, and progress monitoring. Students produce a realistic project schedule that accounts for weather and plant availability.

Lesson 4 • Plant Selection for Design

Guides plant selection based on site conditions, seasonal interest, and design intent. Students build plant palettes that deliver year-round colour, texture, and structure.