Gardening Fundamentals for Beginners

Course Title: Practical Gardening: Garden Fundamentals
Type of Course: Adult Education
Credit: Not credit bearing

Week
Session Title

1. Getting to Know the Soil

2. Weeds: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

3. Revitalising Poor Soils

4. Garden Design

5. Looking After Your Roots

6. Pruning and Winter Care

7. Pests and Diseases: Identification and Management

8. Propagating Seeds and Cuttings

9. The Gardening Year

10. Choosing the Right Plants

Course Overview

This course invites you to explore the essential elements needed to become confident and successful gardeners. Each session covers a different topic, ranging from pruning and pest management to garden design and propagating plants, combining classroom instruction with practical activities in Imperial's 'secret garden'. The course aims to explain the hows and whys of gardening, unlocking many tricks of the trade used by professional gardeners, to help participants fully enjoy their creative pastime and become successful gardeners.

Required Previous Experience (if any)
None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)
Participants are advised to bring gardening gloves to all sessions. For certain sessions, a trowel and/or secateurs may be necessary; sets of these tools are available at garden and DIY stores, as well as online.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, you will be better prepared to:

• Understand soil composition and methods to improve soil health.

• Identify various weed species and implement appropriate management strategies.

• Design a garden layout considering aesthetic and functional aspects.

• Apply pruning techniques and seasonal plant care practices.

• Recognise common pests and diseases and adopt effective control measures.

• Propagate plants through seeds and cuttings successfully.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and practical gardening activities. These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.