AN ECO-UNESCO QQI ACCREDITED COURSE
Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production
Minor Award / 10 Credits | Duration TBD | 2026
Level 3: Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production
ECO-UNESCO has become widely acknowledged as an expert training organisation in sustainability in Ireland.
ECO-UNESCO is an accredited QQI centre operating under the qualities and standards set out by QQI, the National Awarding Body.
Level 3 Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production
Award Type: Minor
Awarding Body: QQI
NFQ Level: 3
Credit Value: 10
Duration: TBD
Who is this course for?
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 3 Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production, is for anyone who would like to develop practical skills in growing vegetables outdoors. This course would be particularly relevant to young people, school students, youth groups, or anyone beginning their journey in sustainable food growing. We also welcome applications from teachers and tutors of any age. Courses will be offered in collaboration with partner organisations.
Why should I take this course?
This course offers a practical, hands-on introduction to outdoor vegetable growing, from preparing the ground to harvesting, and connects participants to the core skills of sustainable food production.
When can I start this course?
Future intakes of the course will be offered in collaboration with partner organisations. If you are interested in partnership opportunities please contact training@ecounesco.ie.
If you are interested in participating in this course as an individual, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website.
What do I need to be accepted into this course?
- You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications
- You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
- You must have a PPS number
- Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course
What will I learn?
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- List the tools, materials and equipment required to grow outdoor vegetables
List the stages of ground preparation for vegetable sowing
Explain pH levels in the soil
Explain the purpose of and techniques for thinning, transplanting and weeding
Describe a range of preventative methods for controlling vegetable diseases and pests, both organically and with chemicals
Carry out a soil test
Prepare the ground for growing vegetables including clearing the ground organically or with chemicals, single digging, improving soil fertility, cross-digging the area, forking over, raking and levelling, marking out and preparing drills
Sow a vegetable crop from seeds or transplant a crop outdoors
Use a range of techniques to maintain the vegetable crop including thinning, transplanting, watering, feeding, weed-control, mulching, disease and pest control
Harvest the crop at the correct stage of maturity
Demonstrate communication, teamwork and quality awareness in a horticulture environment
Apply appropriate health, safety and personal hygiene procedures when producing a crop of vegetables
What will I do?
Participants in this course will:
- Take part in practical, hands-on tasks across the outdoor vegetable-growing cycle
- Work individually and as part of a team to grow and maintain a crop
- Build and document a portfolio of work demonstrating their skills and learning
How will this course be delivered?
The course will be delivered in collaboration with partner organisations; bespoke plans will be developed in collaboration with these organisations.
Independent work will also need to be completed.
Entry Requirements, Assessment, and Transfer & Progression
Entry Requirements:
- You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 2 on the National Framework of Qualifications
- You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
- You must have a PPS number
- Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course
Assessment:
Skills Demonstration 80%
Portfolio / Collection of Work 20%
Transfer and Progression
Achievement of this award will enable the learner to transfer to other appropriate programmes leading to awards at the same level of the National Framework of Qualifications.
Course Details and Fees
Course Details
Award: Minor Award in Level 3 Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production // 10 credits
Number of places: TBD
Next intake: TBD
Course Director: Tim Mac, email: training@ecounesco.ie
Application Closing Date: TBD
Fees: TBD
