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ASDAN Gardening Course 

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A calm, practical and highly engaging online gardening course for learners aged approximately 11+.

Taught by veterinary surgeon Amy Woodhouse BVetMed MRCVS, a qualified veterinary acupuncturist with a keen interest in herbal medicine and sustainable gardening, this course is designed for learners who enjoy practical, hands-on learning and would like to develop real gardening skills while building confidence, independence and an appreciation of the natural world.

Drawing on years of practical gardening experience, including growing fruit, vegetables and herbs on my own allotment, the course encourages learners to explore the natural world through enjoyable, achievable projects that can be completed at home.

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You do not need a large garden to take part. Activities can be adapted for learners with:

• a garden or allotment

• a patio or balcony

• a few containers

• or simply a windowsill

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The course includes more than 50 pre-recorded lessons, downloadable resources, practical projects, a starter gardening kit,  personalised feedback and an exciting programme of optional live online workshops.

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Learn your way

Every learner is different, so this course has been designed to offer both flexibility and structure.

Learners can enrol at any time during the year and work entirely at their own pace. There are no deadlines, allowing lessons to be paused, replayed and revisited whenever needed.

For learners who benefit from a little more routine, I also offer an optional programme of live online workshops throughout the academic year. These sessions broadly follow the course structure, giving learners the opportunity to progress alongside others if they wish.

The live workshops are designed to enrich the course while preserving the flexibility of self-paced learning. Learners are welcome to attend as many or as few sessions as they choose, and those joining later in the year can simply join the next available workshop while continuing to work through the course in their own time.

This flexible approach makes the course particularly suitable for home-educated learners, SEND and neurodivergent learners, learners receiving EOTAS, anxious learners and those who learn best through practical activities.

Evidence can be submitted in a variety of ways, including written work, photographs, videos, presentations and practical gardening projects. Writing never has to become a barrier, and supporting adults may scribe where appropriate, provided the ideas and responses are the learner's own.

Learners receive personalised feedback and ongoing support throughout the course. Once the required ASDAN challenges have been successfully completed, learners will receive an ASDAN Gardening Short Course certificate.

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What is included

The course is divided into six practical modules, each supported by pre-recorded lessons, downloadable resources and practical gardening activities.

Alongside the course, learners are invited to join a programme of optional live workshops that follow the seasons and bring the learning to life through practical demonstrations and shared gardening experiences.

The programme also includes a special virtual visit with Secret World Wildlife Rescue, helping learners discover more about British wildlife and how our gardens can support local species.

All live sessions are completely optional. Learners are welcome to attend whichever sessions interest them, regardless of when they enrol on the course. There is never any pressure to switch on a camera or microphone, and learners are free to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable.

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​What learners will study

The course is divided into six practical modules. Each module includes pre-recorded teaching, downloadable resources, hands-on activities and a linked live experience.

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Click the timetable to open a larger version. All workshops are optional, and cameras and microphones are always optional.

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Module 1: Planting in the Garden

Learners explore the structure of flowers, pollination, fertilisation and the conditions plants need for successful germination.

Optional live workshop

Inside a Flower
Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:00am – Zoom

Join Amy to dissect a flower, identify its different parts and discover how pollination and fertilisation help plants reproduce.

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​Module 2: Growing Food

Learners investigate annual and perennial plants, grow vegetables and explore how food and kitchen scraps can be used to grow new plants.

Optional live workshop

Grow It Again
Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 11:00am – Zoom

Discover the fascinating world of "garbage gardening" by growing new plants from everyday kitchen scraps, including onions, tomatoes and strawberries

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Module 3: Art in the Garden

Learners use plants, natural materials, recycled items and creative ideas to design artwork and miniature outdoor spaces.

Optional live workshop

My Personality Garden
Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 11:00am – Zoom

Design and build a miniature garden that reflects your own interests, personality and creativity using plants, recycled materials and natural objects.

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Module 4: Wildlife in the Garden

Learners explore how gardens provide food, shelter and habitats for local wildlife. Activities may include creating wildlife shelters and miniature wildflower areas.

Optional live session

Secret World Wildlife Rescue
Thursday 14 January 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Learners will join Secret World Wildlife Rescue for a special virtual visit about British wildlife.

The session will explore the difficulties wild animals may face, how rescue organisations help them and practical ways learners can make their gardens and outdoor spaces safer and more wildlife friendly.

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Module 6: Construction in the Garden

Learners develop practical planning and construction skills through projects such as compost bins, plant supports, fruit cages and terrariums.

Optional live workshop

Waste to Wonderful
Tuesday 2 February 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Learners will investigate how composting works and design or build a simple compost bin using a suitable recycled container.

They will explore what can be composted, how organic materials break down and how compost can support healthy plant growth.

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Module 5: Using Your Produce in the Kitchen

Learners discover how fruit, vegetables and herbs can be transformed into useful homemade products.

This module is completed towards the end of the course, giving learners time to grow and care for their own produce before using it in the kitchen.

Optional live workshop

From Garden to Jar
Tuesday 8 June 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Finish the course by making a simple tomato chutney while learning how home-grown produce can be preserved and enjoyed.

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Optional Herbal Skills Programme

Learners are also invited to join an optional three-part herbal skills programme during the spring. These sessions are included within the course fee, and learners are welcome to attend whichever sessions interest them.

Meet the Herbs

Tuesday 9 March 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Explore a selection of gentle herbs through sight, smell and, if you wish, taste while learning about their traditional uses and sensory qualities.

From Herb to Oil

Tuesday 13 April 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Create your own herbal infused oil while learning how herbs can be safely infused into a carrier oil before preparing and labelling your finished product.

From Oil to Balm

Tuesday 11 May 2027 at 11:00am – Zoom

Turn your infused herbal oil into a simple balm while learning the process of measuring, heating, mixing, pouring and labelling.

An optional pre-measured balm-making kit will be available for £8. This will include:

• beeswax pellets;

• a small balm container;

• clear instructions.

The kit is completely optional. Families are also welcome to source their own materials, and a full list will be provided beforehand.

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​A full timetable of optional live workshops, together with equipment lists and any preparation needed, will be sent to enrolled families. As I work with external organisations, dates and speakers may occasionally change. Where permission is given, recordings will be shared for learners who are unable to attend live. Learners can join the course at any point during the year and are welcome to attend whichever live sessions interest them.

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Course includes

• More than 50 pre-recorded lessons

• A starter gardening kit delivered to your home

• Downloadable resources

• Practical gardening projects​

• Nine optional live workshops

• An optional three-part Herbal Skills Programme

• Personalised tutor feedback

• Flexible self-paced learning

• ASDAN registration and certification upon successful completion

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Is this course right for my learner?

The course is generally suitable for learners aged 11 and over, although younger learners are very welcome if they are working at an appropriate level.

ASDAN is much more focused on a learner's ability, interests and individual needs than on a strict age requirement.

The course is particularly suitable for:

• Home-educated learners

• SEND and neurodivergent learners

• Learners receiving EOTAS

• Anxious learners

• Learners who enjoy practical, vocational learning

• Learners who thrive through hands-on activities

• Learners who find traditional classroom learning difficult

My aim is to help learners enjoy learning again. With the right support, every learner can build confidence, achieve success and discover what they are capable of.

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 “This course has been brilliant for my son.
The gardening kit meant he could get stuck in straight away and he’s so proud of what he’s grown.
It’s great to see him engaging with the outside world!”
— Parent feedback

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Course fee

£245 per learner

Includes:​

• ASDAN registration and certification

• More than 50 pre-recorded lessons

• Personalised tutor support, assessment and internal moderation

• A starter gardening kit delivered to your home

• Optional live workshops throughout the year

• Optional three-part Herbal Skills Programme

• Downloadable resources and activity sheets

• Flexible, self-paced learning with no fixed deadlines

• 10% sibling discount

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