ASDAN Gardening Short Course
A calm, practical and enjoyable gardening programme for learners aged approximately 11+.
This flexible online course helps learners develop real gardening skills, confidence and independence through practical projects completed at home.
Learners explore how plants grow, how gardens support wildlife, how food can be grown from everyday materials and how herbs and produce can be turned into useful finished products.
You do not need a large garden. Activities can be adapted for an allotment, garden, balcony, patio, containers or simply a windowsill.
Created with SEND and neurodivergent learners in mind, each activity is divided into clear, manageable stages, with visual resources and plenty of flexibility.
New for September 2026: Live Gardening Programme
Alongside more than 50 pre-recorded lessons, learners will be invited to join nine live practical workshops and specialist visits across the academic year.
Sessions will usually take place on Tuesdays at 11am and are carefully linked to the Gardening modules. They are designed to bring the learning to life and support learners in completing their own challenges independently.
All live sessions are completely optional. There is no pressure for cameras or microphones to be switched on. Learners may watch quietly, use the chat, join in practically or simply listen.
Recordings of sessions delivered by Amy will be available to enrolled learners. Specialist visits will be recorded where the visiting organisation gives permission.
What learners will study
Module 1: Planting in the Garden
Flowers, pollination, fertilisation and germination.
September workshop: Inside a Flower
Learners will dissect a lily, identify its main structures and explore how pollination and fertilisation take place.
Module 2: Growing Food
Annual and perennial plants, growing vegetables and using kitchen waste to grow new plants.
October workshop: Grow It Again
Learners will explore garbage gardening by growing onions, tomatoes and strawberries from food and kitchen scraps.
Module 3: Art in the Garden
Creative projects using plants, natural materials, recycled items and miniature spaces.
November workshop: My Personality Garden
Learners will design and build a miniature garden reflecting their personality, interests and individual style.
Module 4: Wildlife in the Garden
Wildlife shelters, wildflower areas and ways to make gardens safer and more welcoming for animals.
January virtual visit: Helping UK Wildlife
Learners will join Secret World Wildlife Rescue to explore British wildlife, the problems wild animals face and how gardens can help.
Module 6: Construction in the Garden
Compost bins, plant supports, terrariums and other useful garden structures.
February workshop: Waste to Wonderful
Learners will explore composting and design or build a simple compost bin using a recycled container.
Module 5: Using Your Produce in the Kitchen
Learners explore how fruit, vegetables and herbs can be made into useful products.
June workshop: From Garden to Jar
Learners will make a simple tomato chutney and explore how fresh produce can be preserved.
Optional Three-Part Herbal Mini Course
Gardening learners will also be invited to join three optional spring workshops.
March: Meet the Herbs
Explore peppermint, ginger, lemon balm and chamomile through smell, taste and sensory observation. Tasting is always optional.
April: From Herb to Oil
Make a simple herbal infused oil for topical use using a gentle herb and carrier oil.
May: From Oil to Balm
Turn the infused oil into a soft herbal balm for topical use.
An optional pre-measured balm-making kit will be available for £8. Families may also source their own materials.
What is included
More than 50 pre-recorded lessons
Nine optional live workshops and specialist visits
Starter gardening kit with seeds, compost and gloves
PowerPoint lessons and downloadable resources
Practical investigations and growing projects
Printable worksheets and activity guides
Personalised tutor support and feedback
Flexible, self-paced learning
Internal assessment with no examinations
ASDAN registration and certification on successful completion
What you will need
Internet connection
Ability to open MP4, PDF and Word files
A few basic gardening tools and materials
Printer, if preferred
Course fee
£195 per learner
A 10% sibling discount is available. Please contact me before enrolling so this can be arranged.
Learners can enrol at any point during the academic year and work at their own pace. Anyone joining later can use the session recordings and resources to catch up on workshops they have missed.
Places are limited so that personalised support and meaningful feedback can be provided throughout the course.
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