Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in Doncaster. Classes run at Doncaster Deaf Trust, daytime with flexible study across one year. You'll train on a 24-acre site with a large greenhouse, planting beds, orchards, and an award-winning show garden, so learning is hands-on from day one. The course covers practical horticulture skills and gives you the chance to enter competitions and take part in community projects. This free horticulture course for adults is a strong starting point for work in gardens, parks, and green spaces.
Who this course is for
Our 24-acre site, which encompasses a large greenhouse, planting beds, various orchards and an award-winning show garden, provides a unique environment where emphasis is on practical learning in real situations. Students have the opportunity to take part in major competitions and contribute to rewarding projects in the community.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical plant care and growing skills in a working garden environment.
You'll learn how to maintain planting beds, greenhouses, and orchard areas.
You'll practise soil preparation, planting, and cultivation techniques.
You'll gain experience working on community horticulture projects.
You'll build skills in garden maintenance and seasonal tasks.
You'll have the opportunity to take part in horticultural competitions.
How you will learn
Learning is practical and classroom-based, with most of your time spent working on the centre's 24-acre site. You'll be assessed through practical tasks and observations in real garden settings. There may also be short written or portfolio-based activities to record your progress. The centre will confirm the full assessment details at your initial interview.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Doncaster Deaf Trust will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Gardener: maintaining private or public gardens and green spaces
Grounds maintenance operative: keeping parks, sports grounds, and estates tidy
Nursery worker: growing and caring for plants in a commercial nursery
Garden centre assistant: advising customers and caring for stock
Landscaping labourer: supporting landscaping and planting projects
Allotment or community garden worker: managing shared growing spaces
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture: the natural next step after this Level 1 horticulture qualification, covering more advanced plant knowledge and practical skills.
Level 2 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills (City and Guilds): builds on what you've learned and strengthens your employability in grounds maintenance and gardening roles.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture: a broader qualification suited to those moving into paid horticultural work.
