The Curriculum

• 1. Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils

  In this lesson you will learn all about soil and how it supports plant growth. This will include soil formation and composition, as well as how to evaluate soil.

• 2. Water and Soil Irrigation

  This lesson covers the essentials for healthy plant growth. You will also examine soil water and its varying forms, before moving on to look at irrigation and its benefits.

• 3. Methods of Soil Improvement and Management

  Here you will learn all about the cultivation of soil, including how to test soil and cultivate it yourself. You will then learn how to consolidate seed beds and will consider the ‘seed bed’ system as a whole.

• 4. Organic Matter and its Importance in the Soil

  This lesson tackles the contribution and benefit of living organisms to soil health, as well as the process of decomposition of organic matter. From here you will study compost, including: the sources of compost; methods of storing compost; and how to make a compost bed.

• 5. Nutrients and Fertilisers

  You will be introduced to the nutrients needed by plants. Once you have come to terms with the individual nutrients required by a plant, you will study the signs of nutrient deficiency, as well as looking at soil pH and the effects of different pH levels.

• 6. Composts and Growing Media

  This lesson will focus on container gardening. However it will also cover alternative growing mediums to peat, and introduce you to the basics of hydroponics.