Our Practical Organic Gardening Course 2026 is open for new applications. To express interest in this course, please complete the Initial Enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch with you soon.
The Practical Organic Gardening Course is a Level 2 course, designed by Sydenham Garden and accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). It’s a 10-month course which runs from 5th February – 10th December 2026.
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 (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:
Understanding Soil Care & Composting
Gardening for Wildlife
Propagation
Crop Production & Maintenance
Plant Health
The course is funded by The National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.
Policies related to this course:
