| Working in partnership with An tIonad Glas in Dromcollogher, this distance learning option is available from October 2013. Choose from nine modules which will be available to study from a location that suits you. All you need is access to the internet and the ability to take part in two practical experience days per module - one in the spring and one in the summer.
The modules are nationally certified by FETAC and count towards a certificate in Organic Horticulture (CHXXX: Horticulture).
The modules that are available for study include:
• Organic Production Principles
• Organic Food Crops
• Soil Science and Growing Media
• Plant Science
• Plant Identification
• Sustainable Development
• Alternative Enterprises (Sustainable Woodland and Forestry, Organic Poultry and Organic Food Processing)
• Communications
• Work Placement (10 days if completing full certificate).
Our Organic Basics course gives you all you need to get growing successful organic crops. Two FETAC level 5 modules are included – Organic Food Crops and Soil Science and Growing Media:
Crops and Soil Science and Growing Media:
This module goes into the detail of how to grow specific fruit and vegetable crops organically. It’s the most popular module and together with Soil Science and Growing media gives you a sound introduction to organics. It specifically recommends the best techniques and varieties for growing in Irish conditions.
When you successfully complete this module you will:
· be capable of preparing and cultivating a site suitable to food crop production
· have acquired skills in propagation, cultivation and harvesting of food crops
· be capable of selecting weed, pest and disease control measures appropriate to specific situations.
The project for the Food Crops module is to grow a tasty organic crop in your garden (or window-sill)!
By completing this module you will have had the satisfaction of producing and eating your own organic crop – as well as observing and recording the whole process.
Soil Science and Growing Media:
The soil is the most important part of an organic system (except for you)! Organic growing begins and ends with the soil – it’s critical to everything we do – by developing a healthy soil you’ll find you grow healthier crops and that the work of gardening gets easier. This module will give you the skills to understand your soil and how to improve it. You’ll also learn about the best ways to improve fertility organically with compost and other organic fertilisers. Understanding the soil and fertility is crucial to becoming a good organic grower.
When you successfully complete this module you will be:
· be familiar with the origins, characteristics and properties of
· be capable of manipulating the properties of soil to support crop production
· appreciate the importance of the practices and requirements of soil nutrition and cultivation for organic crop production
· care and foster a respect for the environment as a finite resource. |
