Course overview
This course will provide you with the necessary foundation, skills and knowledge to work in fruit and vegetable production on community farms, gardens and allotments.
The course is half-classroom based and half-practical work on our allotment and at Forty Hall Farm’s market garden. During the course you will also gain an insight into starting and running a food growing project.
You will learn
- How to assess soil conditions and prepare the ground for sowing
- How to compost and the importance of organic matter
- How to propagate from seed and stem cuttings
- How to plant out and maintain crops including learning how plants grow best
- Pruning techniques for popular fruit trees
- Pruning techniques for soft fruit bushes and canes
- How to identify damage caused by plant pests and diseases and how to protect your crops
- The different ways of growing including organic growing, no dig and hydroponics
Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills – City & Guilds of London Institute Reference: 60110697
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. You do not need previous experience, just a willingness to learn. You will need to undertake some independent study. You may be asked to attend an interview to explore your interests, experience and ambitions. You must be aged 19 and 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.
