AN ECO-UNESCO QQI ACCREDITED COURSE
Growing Vegetables
Minor Award / 10 Credits | Duration TBD | 2026
Level 4: Growing Vegetables
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.
Growing Vegetables Level 4
Award Type: Minor
Awarding Body: QQI
NFQ Level: 4
Duration: TBD
Who is this course for?
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 4 Growing Vegetables, is for anyone with an interest in horticulture and sustainable food production. This course would be particularly relevant to Senior Cycle students or school leavers who would like to develop practical skills in growing vegetables. We also welcome applications from teachers and tutors of any age, as well as anyone looking to deepen their connection to sustainable food systems.
Why should I take this course?
Our mission at ECO-UNESCO is to empower young people to create positive change to improve communities and protect our planet. Learning to grow vegetables is a practical and empowering step toward sustainable living, giving participants hands-on skills in food production while deepening their understanding of soil, seasons, and ecosystems.
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:
- State the principles of crop rotation including a rationale and examples
- Explain the major factors affecting soil suitability for vegetable production, including soil composition, nutrient availability, water holding capacity, drainage, organic matter content and compaction
- Prepare ground for vegetable growing, including digging, breaking up of soil, and removal of debris, weeds and large stones to form a suitable surface
- Apply compost, manure and fertiliser to a stated rate at planting and throughout the growing season
- Grow a range of vegetables including brassicas, legumes, root crops and salad crops from seeds, tubers, sets, plugs and transplants
- Maintain growing vegetable crops to include watering, weather and pest protection, training and supporting
- Deal with common pests and diseases of vegetable crops to include identification and control by a range of methods
- Deal with weeds to include identification and control by a range of methods
- Harvest a range of vegetables including selection, grading and packing
- Operate within appropriate safety procedures to create and maintain a safe working environment including safety standards regarding lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and equipment.
What will I do?
Participants in this course will:
- Take part in practical hands-on growing tasks across the full vegetable-growing cycle
- Carry out regular crop maintenance and monitoring
- Complete a skills demonstration assessed by a facilitator
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 3 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 4 Growing Vegetables
Number of places: TBD
Next intake: TBD
Course Director: Tim Mac, email: training@ecounesco.ie
Application Closing Date: TBD
Fees: TBD
