The Maintenance Gardener (Level 1)

Course overview

This course is ideal for building your gardening skills and confidence.

You will gain experience of working in a variety of garden situations and develop a sound knowledge of horticultural techniques. This course is perfect for keen amateurs looking to improve on their knowledge and experience possibly leading to volunteering within a garden, further training or working within the horticulture industry.

You will learn

  • How to establish and maintain gardens and borders
  • How to establish and maintain trees, shrubs and flowers
  • The care and maintenance of gardens in all seasons
  • The sowing of vegetables and flowers from seed
  • The use of a range of tools, equipment and machinery
  • Health and safety practices
  • Plant identification
  • How to carry out practical work in the College and other gardens

Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills – City & Guilds of London Institute Reference: 60056113

There are no formal entry requirements for The Maintenance Gardener (Level 1) course. You do not need previous experience, just a willingness to learn. 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 courses at the next level: The Professional Gardener (Level 2), The Hard Landscaping Gardener (Level 2) or The Fruit and Vegetable Gardener (Level 2). You will also be prepared for voluntary work in gardens, parks, charities and community gardens, or you can gain entry-level employment in the gardening and landscaping industry.

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.