65 'I can' statements

Information sheet

These statements can be used to assess skills before and after a particular task or period of time, enabling pupils and staff to plan horticultural learning and monitor progress.

  • School term: All year round
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s):

Tool skills

  • I can use a trowel to make planting holes
  • I can use a dibber to make planting holes
  • I can use a hand fork to remove annual weeds
  • I can use a hoe to remove annual weed seedlings from an unplanted area
  • I can use a hoe to remove annual weed seedlings from in between crops
  • I can use a spade to dig soil
  • I can use a spade to single dig soil
  • I can use a garden fork to remove perennial weeds
  • I can use a garden fork to prepare soil
  • I can use a rake to level soil
  • I can use a rake to create a fine tilth for sowing
  • I can use a leaf rake to rake leaves
  • I can use secateurs to prune
  • I can prune apples and pears
 

Planting Skills

  • I can mark a straight, line using taut string
  • I can make a straight, level drill to appropriate depth for seed sowing
  • I can plant a potato
  • I can sow large seeds such as broad beans and French beans
  • I can sow medium seeds such as spinach and courgette
  • I can sow fine seeds such as tomatoes, leeks and lettuce
  • I can make a paper pot
  • I can fill a container ready for sowing
  • I can use a sieve to cover fine seeds with compost
  • I can water a container for sowing
  • I can write labels
  • I can prick out seedlings into their own pots
  • I can remove a young plant from its container
  • I can plant a young plant into the soil and firm in
  • I can plant a tree and stake appropriately


After-Care Skills

  • I can net soft fruit to protect from birds
  • I can provide some protection from slugs and snails
  • I can remove aphids
  • I can mulch a planted area
  • I can cover a planted area to protect from frost
  • I can thin seedlings
  • I can water seedlings
  • I can water established plants
  • I can support plants with pea sticks, canes or netting as appropriate
  • I can tie plants to canes as necessary
  • I can pinch out plants such as sweet peas, broad beans and tomatoes
 

Harvesting skills

  • I can dig root crops, such as potatoes, parsnips and carrots, without damaging them
  • I can pick peas and beans without damaging the plant
  • I can harvest leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach without damaging the plant
  • I can collect seeds from plants for future use
 

Planning Skills

  • I can measure the garden site
  • I can draw a plan of the garden
  • I can draw a scale plan of the garden
  • I can choose plants to grow
  • I can choose where plants should grow based on my knowledge of rotation and conditions required


Construction skills

  • I can put together raised bed or compost bin kits
  • I can build raised beds or compost bins from timber
  • I can make plant supports or structures from willow
 

Equipment Skills

  • I can use a watering can with rose, if appropriate, to water plants
  • I can use a measuring stick to space plants or seeds
  • I can use a wheelbarrow
  • I can use a hose to water


Other skills

  • I can put on my own gloves and put them away as a pair
  • I can clean my tools after use
  • I can conduct hand texturing tests of soil to determine soil type
  • I can conduct a simple pH test to determine soil pH
  • I can propagate simple cuttings, such as stem or tip cuttings of rosemary and sage


Mentoring Skills

  • I can train others in some of the skills above
  • I can train others in most of the skills above
  • I can train others in all of the skills above