The GCA’s new e-learning initiative is set for its official launch this month.

The scheme, entitled Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW), offers 10 initial training modules covering aspects of horticultural knowledge including plant basics, grow your own, pruning and pest control.

GCA interim chief executive Iain Wylie says the scheme is being rolled out following the success of pilot runs at selected member garden centres, including Millbrook centres in Crowborough and Gravesend and The Gardens Group at Yeovil, Sherborne and Dorchester.

“A lot of garden centres don’t have the time or resources to train all of their staff to ensure they have a good general knowledge of gardening,” he said, “so these modules will mean more staff will be able to help with customers’ queries.

Future models will cover aspects of garden centre management, like health and safety and food hygiene.

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

For further details, call 01993 871456, visit www.gca.org.uk, call Iain Wylie on 07843 633408 or email Iain@gca.org.uk.