Programme Purpose: To equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to produce a crop of outdoor vegetables under supervision. 

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the 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 organically or 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 to 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 the application of communications, team working and quality awareness in a horticulture environment 
  • Apply appropriate health, safety and personal hygiene procedures when producing a crop of vegetables.