Growing Vegetables QQI Level 4

Who is this course for? 
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 4 Growing Vegetables, is for anyone with an interest in horticulture and sustainable food production. This course would be particularly relevant to Senior Cycle students or school leavers who would like to develop practical skills in growing vegetables. We also welcome applications from teachers and tutors of any age, as well as anyone looking to deepen their connection to sustainable food systems.

Why should I take this course? 
Our mission at ECO-UNESCO is to empower young people to create positive change to improve communities and protect our planet. Learning to grow vegetables is a practical and empowering step toward sustainable living, giving participants hands-on skills in food production while deepening their understanding of soil, seasons, and ecosystems.

When can I start this course? 
Future intakes of the course will be offered in collaboration with partner organisations. If you are interested in partnership opportunities please contact [email protected].
If you are interested in participating in this course as an individual, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website.

What do I need to be accepted onto this course? 
You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 3 on the National Framework of Qualifications
You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
You must have a PPS number
Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course

What Will I Learn? 
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

State the principles of crop rotation including a rationale and examples
Explain the major factors affecting soil suitability for vegetable production, including soil composition, nutrient availability, water holding capacity, drainage, organic matter content and compaction
Prepare ground for vegetable growing, including digging, breaking up of soil, and removal of debris, weeds and large stones to form a suitable surface
Apply compost, manure and fertiliser to a stated rate at planting and throughout the growing season
Grow a range of vegetables including brassicas, legumes, root crops and salad crops from seeds, tubers, sets, plugs and transplants
Maintain growing vegetable crops to include watering, weather and pest protection, training and supporting
Deal with common pests and diseases of vegetable crops to include identification and control by a range of methods
Deal with weeds to include identification and control by a range of methods
Harvest a range of vegetables including selection, grading and packing
Operate within appropriate safety procedures to create and maintain a safe working environment including safety standards regarding lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and equipment.

What will I do? 
Participants in this course will: 

Take part in practical hands-on growing tasks across the full vegetable-growing cycle
Carry out regular crop maintenance and monitoring
Complete a skills demonstration assessed by a facilitator

How will this course be delivered? 
The course will be delivered in collaboration with partner organisations; bespoke plans will be developed in collaboration with these organisations.
Independent work will also need to be completed.

How is this course assessed? 
Skills Demonstration 80%
Theory Examination 20%

Course Details 
Award: Minor Award in Level 4 Growing Vegetables // 10 Credits
Next intake: TBD – partner organisation
Course Director: Tim Mac, email: [email protected]
Application Closing Date: TBD – partner organisation

Transfer and Progression 
Successful completion of this award enables the learner to transfer to programmes leading to other certificates where this component is a mandatory or elective requirement

Fees 
Fees will be determined in collaboration with partner organisations, please contact for more info.

Apply, please contact us:
[email protected]