Grow Your Own Magazine

Thinking of doing a distance learning course one of the RHS ones. Has anyone out there done any of these? what was it like? what company/college did you use? could you recomend them
I know lots of questions but if you don't ask you don't find out.
All the best Phattaff

hiya

I wouldn't mind doing an online course (I have done a couple before, one with the OU and one with Learning & Skills Council I think it was). I have found a couple of places on the net, but not sure which would be the best option. Online learning is really good, it suited me fine because it was so convenient, and there was no exam at the end ... and you can work at your own pace.

But with regards to horticulture, being a newbie I am not sure which would be the most useful. I will keep an eye on this thread, to see if anyone else can recommend one.
regards
Littlewin

Cheers Littlewin
Didn't think about an online course, all the ones i have looked at seem to be postal one's where they send you all the stuff.
All the best Phattaff

I'm currently doing one. RHS II Certificate course. Problem is ( big problem ) motivation when you're on your own. It was quite expensive to be honest, for what i got ( about 15 PDF's i think ) a tutor i havn't heard from and a website that isn't accessible most of the time ( although i must admit this might be my broadband ).

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Gary

Thanks for that Gary if you don't mind could you let me know who your doing it through.
I must admit i also think they seem to bit expensive, prices seem to range from about £250 to £500 which is alot of money for some books or computer files which is why i'm trying to find out if it's really worth it or a company someone could recommend.
Good luck with the studying and keep at it.
All the best Phattaff

I bought the course from (I think) The Horticultural Learning College, but I didn't do it. I was too hard to get motivated. But the material was good - I still have all the files upstairs and refer to them now and again. Have decided to go and do a part-time course instead. Lots of places run evening classes, might that work for you?

Anyway, whatever you decide, best of luck!

Hi, I am currently studying with the HCC for level 2. I say studying loosely at the moment with it being spring and having the greenhouse up and running!

I am enjoying it, on lesson 5 now, garden planning. I set aside one day a week to look at my books and lesson etc but troll websites etc regularly its amazing what you learn from these sites!

I teamed up with someone on line once a week for and hour or so who was also studying level 2 which helped with motivation etc.

Anyway please feel free to ask any questions. I found it a nightmare to decide which college to go with. You are welcome to PM me if i can be of any help.

Sandra

Completely off the beaten track, and of no relevance at all, but the only distant learning I have ever done was as a kid, when I did Sunday School by Post. It tickles me when I think about it now.

My advice to anyone thinking of distance learning on a serious note, i'd recommend college. You have more motivation, more learning and above all, comparison with other students with the same interest.

I can't really tell you the name of the place i am at ( not in the public domain its a bit unfair ), but you can PM me.

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Gary

hum, not sure how I have missed this thread giving the title size

anyways - I am studying through Stonehouse and this is the course I am doing - paper-based though cos I like paper.

I do really enjoy it, it does take time to study (obviously) and what with actually hands-on gardening etc...but it is proving useful. I plan to go on and do an on-site at somewhere like Waterperry ...hopefully

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Suzie

I wonder with all the emphasis now on being or wanting to be a plot holder why there isn't a course on allotment gardening organically. Topics to include garden design, crop selection, soil preparation, crop rotation, companion planting, nursery planting and planting out , weeds, feed, shed building, compost making, harvesting, and storing etc. This knid of information takes years to learn from trial and error, or help from one's friends.

This is where someone tell me what you mean, this one???

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Suzie

Mike
By looking at the various courses i think you will find that in one way or another they would cover what you want, organic gardening could also mean organic vegetables, and i sure some of the modules on RHS couses also deal with veg growing.
All the best Phattaff

What you mean this one?

COMMERCIAL ORGANIC VEGETABLE GROWING VHT241 Course - ACS Distance Education



Don't know what its like though.

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Gary

ah, ha. I knew someone would be up for the challenge.

I think it would be nice to see someone like the national trust running these courses, you could do it by distance learning or hands on experience at a chosen location. Free labour for the NT, and a great experience for the assistant. win/win I believe.

Oooooooh Piskieinboots you clever little thing you, there you go mike don't even have to look around at all those other courses.
P.S. thanks to everyone who has taken the time to answer this thread and for their infomation.
Think i will do the RHS Cert 2 course with Learningcurve or do you know better?????
All the best Phattaff

Unfortunately our nation is motivated by money and not the most natural highs of life. Saying that, the communitychannel website sometimes seek gardeners for volunteer work.

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Gary

I've heard good things about learning curve. Only from people on forums though. Wish i'd gone with em now!

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Gary