We run a range of Level 1 and Level 2 City and Guilds horticulture courses throughout the year from our site in Chingford.
We currently have places available on a Level 1 course starting in September 2026:
Practical Horticultural Skills – Food Growing – City and Guilds Level 1 Award
Day(s) & Time: Tuesdays 10.30am – 4.30pm
15 September
22 September
29 September
6 October
13 October
20 October
27 October is HALF TERM
3 November
10 November
Who is the course for?
This course is designed to offer foundation knowledge and technical skills for anyone who is thinking about working as a food grower or who wants to enhance food production knowledge for the home or allotment environment. It also acts as a gateway to a range of Level 2 course options. You will be studying in a community market garden environment with a blend of classroom guided learning and practical tasks to build confidence in techniques and seek guidance when needed.
The course covers a range of foundation topics. The morning is classroom-based with learning taking place in many formats. The afternoon will embed learning through practical horticultural activity in the fields and glasshouse gardens. Worksheets completed at the end of the day and home-learning resources shared. The course tutor is Danielle Ahmet supported by others from OrganicLea. The sessions in the afternoon are supported by all the horticultural leads at Hawkwood.
Throughout the 8 sessions – topics covered include: Understanding soil: Soil types, structure, and nutrient-take-up | Making compost and other fertility products and using them to improve your soil | Garden cultivation techniques – appropriate tools | Planting design considerations including the needs of different food crops; spacing, pest management and other aftercare including weed identification and management | Seed-sowing techniques | A crop calendar to support you to grow with the seasons | Understanding the role of organic food growing in a changing climate.
Qualification:
This course is accredited by the City and Guilds. There is no exam. Assessment is continuous and includes worksheets and opportunities to demonstrate knowledge in practicals.
Pricing:
Solidarity – £750:
This rate is for you if you have ample financial resources due to personal earnings, savings, access to intergenerational wealth or organisational sponsorship. Paying this rate supports our community members who need the discounted rate to access learning. This rate acknowledges those without these privileges and the value of building a diverse and equitable community.
Standard Fee – £500:
This rate is for you if you have access to financial security and do not traditionally qualify for sliding scale fee reductions.
Discount – £250:
This rate is available to those who are unemployed, low-waged, don’t have any savings and may struggle financially. This rate contributes to the cost without compromising your financial well-being.
Free/Funded:
This rate is for you if you are on full universal credit (not working and no extra income)
All the above can be paid in instalments
Enrolment process:
To register for a place and obtain more information about this opportunity, including fees, please contact courses@organiclea.org.uk