Welcome to Module 1 – Horticulture Basics: Let's Get Started!
The module is all about teaching you the basics, by getting stuck in and giving it a go!
We'll start by aligning our definition of plant, learning the main things that plants need to grow, and what healthy plants look like. During this module, you will be asked to identify and visit a garden site for you to put into practice what you are learning.
Your Field Campus
You’ll need to explore the site, finding information that will help you work out what types of plants will grow well. After that, you’ll dig over the soil and get it ready to be planted in. Finally, you’ll plant seeds or seedlings and look after them as they grow!
The site you use for this programme could be:
- at your house
- the garden of someone in your whānau or a friend who lives nearby
- a community garden
- an existing horticulture operation, if you already work there.
Video Resource
If you haven't yet, consider purchasing the optional video companion to this programme, The Market Gardener's Toolkit. There is a bit more information about this in the Course Overview. You can purchase it for US$7.50 for a digital download.
Time to complete this module
You should plan to complete this module in 40 hours.
Assessment outline
To finish this module, you need to complete two assessment tasks:
- Assessment 1: Garden Journal 01A1 – explain what you’ve been doing in the garden each week and upload photos to show your mahi (work) and the state of the garden.
- Scroll down to the bottom of this module now and read Assessment 1, so you know exactly what information to include in your Garden Journal.
- Assessment 2: Site Evaluation Project 01A2 – Decide what plants will grow well at the site based on the environment, and soil and explain what tasks need to be carried out to get the area ready for planting. Include photos and drawings of the site.
- Scroll down to the bottom of this module now and read the Assessment 2, so you know exactly what information to include as evidence in your journal posts.
Remember, we’re here to help!
Mistakes are all part of learning. But you may be able to avoid them by being sure what your assessment is asking of you.
If something doesn’t make sense, or you’re unsure what to do next, ask a peer using Messaging on the Online Campus, check the forums for others that have asked the same questions, or get in touch with your Tutor. You can send them a message on the Online Campus or get in touch via email.
While the course is designed for you to work independently, please don't be afraid to ask questions.
