Course Overview

*This course has no course fees.

Want to learn the basics of gardening? This free, eight-day course is set up for anyone wanting to grow fresh produce at home. Classes will run in the evenings and some weekends so you can fit it around other commitments. 
 
Wednesday and Thursday sessions will run from 6pm -9pm and will focus on seed sowing in containers, where to buy seeds, understanding seasons, and types of gardens.

Saturday sessions will run from  9am - 4pm and will focus on seed sowing directly into the ground, seed beds, techniques for using tools, health and safety, using machinery and how to maintain a lawnmower.

Enjoy this inclusive course with small class numbers and no formal assessments. Get advice on how to set up a garden at your own home, making the most of your space, no matter how big or small. 
 
Build your knowledge so you can confidently grow fruit and veges for yourself and your whanau.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • Community Garden Skills (Level 2)
Locations To be confirmed
Next intake To be confirmed View more details
Study options

8 days part-time

Total credits 6
Indicative Fees No tuition fee for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

Students completing this training scheme will have skills and a pathway for entry level education programmes in horticulture, agriculture or forestry, and or possible employment in the Primary Sector.

Topics you'll cover

  • Sow seed in containers and in the open ground
  • Plant out container plants
  • Work collaboratively on a project
  • Maintain and use pedestrian operated, motorised garden equipment safely 
  • Maintain and use garden tools

This training scheme is to teach students how to work with plants, soils, garden tools and basic machinery so they can support a community garden and provide food for their families. 

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * No tuition fee for domestic students

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course does NOT meet the requirements for student loan or allowance applications through StudyLink.

Find out more at studylink.govt.nz


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

No entry requirements - open entry

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

English language requirements

Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQA Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

  • Waipa Campus (Rotorua) sessions will be held on Wednesday and Saturday
  • Windermere Campus (Tauranga) sessions will be held on Thursday and Saturday

Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available

Study options

  • 8 days part-time

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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