Practical Organic Gardening Course

Our next course to run will be the Level 1 short course in Crop Production. The course is currently full however spaces may become available at the last minute. If you would like your name to be added to the waiting list then please complete the initial enquiry form by following the link:

Initial Enquiry for Level 1 short course

Level 1 Short Course: Crop Production

The Crop Production short course runs from 4th September to – 9th October 2025 (6 weeks) and will take place on Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm. Students who complete the course will receive a Level 1 certificate, accredited by Open College London (OCN).

Places will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis for anyone meeting the following criteria:

are living with a mental and/or physical health issue

can commit to a weekly session for the 6 weeks of the course

have an interest in horticulture and a desire to be in a structured learning environment.

We also offer a Level 2 Practical Organic Gardening course. This is a 10-month course which runs from February – December. Our 2025 class is now full. We will be open for applications for our 2026 class later in the year.

Practical Organic Gardening is a Level 2 course, designed by Sydenham Garden and accredited by the Open College Network (OCN).

The course is open to adult learners with some experience in gardening, who would like to further develop their knowledge and understanding of plants, soil and sustainable, organic gardening techniques.

The course takes place on Thursday mornings from 10-12.30 (2.5 hours). Students are expected to attend on a weekly basis for the duration of the 10-month course which runs from Thursday 5th February – Thursday 11th December 2025 (with a 2-week break in April and a 4-week break in August).

Places will be offered on a first-come first-served basis to any applicants who meet the following criteria:

are living with a mental and/or physical health issue

can commit to a weekly session for the full duration of the course

have an interest in horticulture and a desire to be in a structured learning environment.

The teaching takes place in beautiful, peaceful surroundings and is set at a steady pace so it’s accessible to learners with additional support or learning needs.

Through a mix of classroom-based and practical activities, students will help to maintain our kitchen garden, greenhouse, wildlife ponds, nature reserve and market garden. They will take part in ‘hands-on’ activities such as building crop structures, raised beds and wildlife habitats.

The course is assessed by Sydenham Garden’s facilitators who will observe students carrying out practical gardening tasks and encourage discussion and skill-sharing. Support with written aspects of the course content will be provided wherever necessary.

The course is divided into 5 units: