Horticulture - Level 2 Practical Horticulture

Horticulture is all about growing plants and working with nature. You’ll learn how to plan and design gardens, prepare the ground, plant seeds and cuttings, and care for plants as they grow. People who work in horticulture often work outdoors and use creativity and practical skills in places like garden centres, plant nurseries, landscaping jobs, farms, and public or historic gardens.

There is currently a high demand for skilled workers in horticulture, which means this course can lead to good future job opportunities.

What You’ll Be Doing

For around two days each week, you’ll focus on practical, hands-on learning. You’ll build your skills by helping to develop and look after the college grounds, using professional tools and techniques. You’ll work as part of a team, helping you grow your confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

Alongside this, you’ll learn the theory behind horticulture so you understand why things are done a certain way and can put this knowledge into practice. You’ll also develop your maths and English skills, taught by specialist staff, to support your learning and future career.

Work Experience

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a work experience placement to gain real-world experience in the horticulture industry.

During this course, you’ll study a range of hands-on topics to help you build your horticulture skills, including:

Preparing new ground ready for planting

Improving soil quality so plants grow better

Planting trees and plants grown in containers or as bare roots

Looking after planted areas and garden borders

Creating containers for seasonal displays

Growing your own fruit and vegetables

Growing plants from seeds indoors and outdoors

Making new plants using different types of cuttings

Learning how plants can be joined together through grafting

Planning and working on your own garden projects

Designing a garden and creating a simple plan

Using garden power tools safely

You’ll answer short written questions to show what you’ve learned, and your tutor will also watch you carry out practical tasks to check your skills.

5 GCSEs at Grade 9-3.

OR

Level 1 Horticulture qualification.