The Professional Gardener (Level 2)

Course overview

This course will help you gain insight into starting and running a horticulture business.

If you are new to working in horticulture, or are planning to work within the horticulture industry, this course will build on your previous gardening experience, skills and knowledge, allowing you to meet industry standards. This course will provide you with an industry recognised Level 2 qualification, which will help develop your career.

You will learn

  • The planting of container grown trees, shrubs and perennials
  • Identification of plants by botanical name
  • Cultivation and assessment of soil texture and condition
  • Identification of damage caused by pests and diseases
  • The care and maintenance of gardens in all seasons
  • How to produce a basic garden design and planting plan
  • How to maintain lawns all year round
  • Propagation techniques
  • The use of a range of tools, machinery and equipment
  • How to deal with customers – providing advice and quotes
  • Basic soil science
  • Basic plant science

Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills – City & Guilds of London Institute Reference: 60110697

Two GCSEs at grade 5 and above (A* to C) . Successful completion of Introduction to Careers in the Environment (Level 1) or equivalent. Relevant prior learning or experience gained in an appropriate professional environment will be considered. You must be aged 19 ad over to enrol on this course.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to our Advanced Technical Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture (Level 3), or an RHS Level 2 Certificate or Diploma. Alternatively, you can enter employment in the landscaping and gardening industry, or voluntary work in gardens, parks, charities and community gardens.

This course is part-funded by the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) or Greater London Authority (GLA) for those that are eligible.

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the course, your tuition, exams and materials fees will be paid for you in full as long as you meet some basic criteria for UK residence (more information can be found on our Fees and Funding page).

If you are aged 19 or over on the day your course starts, you may be entitled to help with tuition fees subject to criteria. If you receive employment benefits, have a low income, or are studying towards your first substantial qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition. You may need to pay a materials fee if applicable to your course. Find further information about help with tuition fees on our Fees and Funding page.

For some of our courses, we offer a discount for current students. If this is the case, you will see the reduced fee when you select your chosen course campus and start date. To qualify for this discount, you must already be studying another course at Capel Manor College, and be adding this course to your existing programme.