Course Overview

The world of horticulture is more than ever important to people, helping to feed us and to make us aware of the importance of creating a sustainable world future and this course is designed specially to cover all of the issues that are important to anyone wishing to undertake a career in horticulture and for those amateur gardeners who want to garden in a sustainable and chemical free way.

Included in the course are areas covering wellbeing in horticulture and community gardening projects. It is an ideal course to study alongside the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. During the course visits will be arranged to gardens in the vicinity.

The course comprises 7 modules and it is possible to study individual modules as well as the complete programme. The units and their content are as follows:

• Module 1: Plant Botany -the structures, functions and processes of plants
• Module 2: The Root Zone -the formation and management of soil
• Module 3: Plant Propagation: – how to propagate from seed and cuttings
• Module 4: Plant Health- weeds, pests and diseases and how to control without chemicals
• Module 5: Organic Principles and Practices
• Module 6: Fruit and Vegetable Growing
• Module 7: Biosecurity, Contemporary Attitudes to Horticulture & Community Engagement

Who the course is for:

This course is designed for those who wish to combine an understanding of the scientific principles together with practical horticultural skills; therefore this course is ideal for the keen amateur gardener and those wishing to gain employment in a range of horticultural industries.

Additional costs:

The course cost includes all main resources. There may be some additional costs for organised trips.

Assessment Methods

This course is delivered in college at our Cannington Campus and will include laboratory experiments, practical demonstrations and a range of presentations. There are no formal exams but during the course there will be a range of assessments as well as the opportunity to undertake a specialist project. On completion of the course a certificate of completion will be provided by the College.

Progression Options

This course can be studied alongside the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture