Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in Smeeth, Ashford. Classes run at Craftworks College Muddy Wellies, full-time during the day. This free horticulture course for adults and school leavers runs across 11 months. You'll work through six hands-on projects across the year, building on previous horticulture knowledge and skills. Projects include designing a decorative feature, planning a plant launch, and selling plants to the public. The rural Muddy Wellies site focuses on growing and selling fruits and vegetables. You'll need some prior horticulture experience to join at this level.
Who this course is for
This course is for students who have come into the college with prior Horticulture learning and experience or who have progressed with us from a lower- level Horticulture course.
Entry requirements
Students will need to have some previous Horticulture knowledge. Students will be assessed upon entry to see whether they need any access arrangements to cope with the demands of a level 1 course.
What you will learn
You'll plan and design decorative garden features.
You'll grow and cultivate fruits and vegetables in a rural setting.
You'll develop practical skills in plant care and cultivation.
You'll build project skills by working toward a finished product or feature.
You'll gain experience selling plants to the public.
You'll develop personal skills to support independence and community involvement.
How you will learn
Learning is project-based. You'll work through six projects across the year, each building on the skills and knowledge from the last. Projects are practical and hands-on, taking place at the Muddy Wellies site. You'll be assessed on entry to confirm this level is right for you and to identify any support you may need. Employers linked to the programme get involved in projects and can offer relevant work experience.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Craftworks College Muddy Wellies will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Gardener. Maintain gardens, parks, or green spaces.
Groundsperson. Care for sports grounds and outdoor areas.
Nursery worker. Grow and sell plants in a commercial nursery.
Market garden assistant. Cultivate and sell fruit and vegetables.
Parks and green spaces operative. Work for a local council or estate.
Garden centre assistant. Advise customers and maintain stock.
What you could study next
Level 2 Award or Certificate in Horticulture. The natural next step after Level 1, covering more advanced growing and plant knowledge.
Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture. A broader qualification that can support entry into commercial horticulture roles.
Level 3 Horticulture qualification. For those aiming toward supervisory or specialist roles in grounds management or landscape design.
