Lesson Structure
There are 4 lessons in this course:
-
CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWING MEDIA
-
Video - Lesson review
-
Physical Characteristics – Air Filled Porosity, Shrinkage, Bulk Density, Wettability
-
Components in the Mix -mined and manufactured
-
Issues pathogens, drainage, weight, availability, consistency
-
Choosing your components
-
Conductivity and pH
-
Aeration, Water retention, drainage
-
Fertility
-
Nitrogen drawdown
-
Water repellence
-
Buffering capacity
-
ORGANIC COMPONENTS
-
Introduction
-
Organic components
-
Alternatives
-
Pine bark
-
Wood chip
-
Sawdust
-
Wood shavings
-
Peat
-
Sphagnum
-
Grass waste
-
Mushroom compost
-
Nut shells
-
Biochar
-
Ash
-
Lignite
-
Other options
-
NON-ORGANIC COMPONENTS
-
Introduction
-
Components
-
Sand
-
Soil
-
Scoria
-
Pumice
-
Perlite
-
Vermiculite
-
Plastics and bioplastics
-
Other options
-
Optional Assignment
-
MAKING MIXES
-
Video – Lesson Review
-
Considering components
-
Matching growing media to different situations
-
Propagation mixes
-
John Innes Institute potting mixes
-
Cornell mixes
-
How to mix components
-
Use of fertiliser in propagating mixes
-
Processing mixed growing media for use
-
Contamination
-
Other issues with media
-
Transport of treated media
-
Final Online Assessment
Learning Strategies:
- Study Guide with course notes/reading/illustration
- Interactive self assessment tests in every lesson
- One assignment submitted and marked
- Practical components -tasks away from the computer
- Videos
- Help desk to consult expert tutors
Enrol Today and Learn at your own pace (no set time limit!)
ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor