Whether you are a complete gardening novice or are looking to deepen your knowledge, you can take an accredited course at OrganicLea.
Level 1 horticulture course
Our Level 1 course is a great way to get to grips with the basics of organic gardening and food growing. You’ll learn about soil types, composting, improving soil quality, and the essentials of sowing and growing your own crops.
The course mixes classroom learning with hands-on activities at our community market garden at the Hawkwood Plant Nursery in Chingford, London. It usually runs for 7 to 9 weeks, for one day a week, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. If you register your interest with us we’ll update you when new courses are coming up. New dates will also be posted on our website.
Level 2 horticulture courses
Ready to take your skills further? We currently run two different Level 2 courses, but we may include others in the future. To join, you’ll need a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification, or equivalent certificate.
These courses are popular and fill up quickly, so we recommend you volunteer with OrganicLea while you wait for recruitment to open. In 2026, we have autumn course starts, with information sessions on Wednesday, 3 June, and Friday, 12 June.
An outline of the accredited courses
- Work Based Horticulture Skills, Level 2 Diploma, City & Guilds. This course runs twice a year (autumn to spring, spring to mid-summer), one day a week. Learn practical gardening skills for future jobs in horticulture, including health and safety, soil preparation, planting, harvesting and propagating plants. You’ll get tutorials, practical support and assessments, and workplace supervision from the team.
- Practical Horticulture Skills, Level 2 Certificate, City & Guilds. This course runs from autumn to late spring, one half day per week (Monday). This course covers all the essential techniques for looking after gardens, such as planting, fruit pruning, stem cutting propagation, using gardening tools, and identifying plants. You’ll be assessed through practical tasks and some written work, with extra study at home to support your learning.
How to apply
To apply for a Level 2 course you will need to come to an information session. At the session, you will hear in detail how the courses work, how we select learners, the fees, and specific course dates.
You’ll also complete a short assessment and fill in an enrolment form. Bring your Level 1 certificate along, if you didn’t do it with us, so we can take a copy. There will be time to ask questions and chat with tutors about your interests or concerns.
Sign up to register your interest in the Level 2 courses and we’ll notify you of the course dates and how to book onto an information session.
If you have more detailed queries about our courses, please email courses@organiclea.org.uk
Other learning opportunities at OrganicLea
Every year we offer a range of short courses and workshops led by members of our team or guest teachers, on topics ranging from wild mushroom identification to fruit tree pruning, beer brewing and permaculture. Upcoming course dates and details will be posted on this website.
