Course overview
Horticulturists play a vital role in greening our cities, creating healthy environments, tending gardens and designed landscape and growing food. This qualification allows learners to develop a level of plant knowledge deemed essential by the horticultural industries.
It assesses the knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning horticultural practices and supports career development for those already working in the profession.
Please note: Fees are subject to change pending any updates from the awarding body ( RHS).
Entry Requirements
Interest and enthusiasm in plants, gardening and horticulture.
Levels of literacy to cope with demands of course. This will be discussed with you at interview.
Commitment to engage in further self- study each week and to prepare for formal written examinations.
Course Structure
Course Description
The qualification consists of two units with four topics per unit.
Unit 1
Plant Science 1- Scientific naming of plants with plant structure and function.
Plant Health-Effect of range of factors: environment, nutrition, pests and pathogens, passports and bio-security.
Plant Nutrition-Including soil types and profiles, soil based nutrition and availability, growing media.
Plant Specification- Recommending plants based on site and plant based criteria, plant specifications, planting and post planting care and maintenance.
Unit 2
Plant Science 2-Range and role of plant adaptations
Planting Styles-Factors involved in creating a range of plantings: historical context, formal and informal planting, plant associations, plant uses, edible landscapes.
Horticulture and Society- Well being, environment, economy, community, cultural identity.
Biodiversity-Creating habitats, impact of climate change, Citizen science and species survey, biodiversity action plans.
Progression
Professional gardening, employed by an organisation or as a self-employed gardener.
Retail gardening
Plant production