65 'I can' statements

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