Study Programme - Practical Horticulture Skills Level 2

Horticulture is the industry and science of plant cultivation including the process of designing, preparing, planting and growing from seed and cuttings. Horticulturists work in a variety of outdoor settings and their use creativity and knowledge in a range of specialisms such as nursery production, garden centres, landscaping gardening, crop production and public and heritage gardens. It has recently been reported that there is a shortage of workers with skills in horticulture sector.

Future Career and Earning Potentials:

Horticultural Worker £13K-£30K

Horticultural Manager £18K-£40K

Garden Nursery Assistant £13K-£19K

(Source: National Careers Service)

This study programme will cover a range of the topics and units at each level, some of which are listed below:

Level 1 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills

• How to prepare soil and mulching

• Planting

• Designing gardens

• Effective watering

• Soil pH and structure

• Planting hanging baskets and containers

• Creating displays from bulbs

• Caring for planted areas

• Making new plants from seeds and cuttings

• Growing fruit and vegetables

• Supporting plants effectively

• Painting and preserving wooden structures.

• Potting up and growing on plants.

• Identify plants and weeds

• Cutting grass safely

Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills

• How to prepare new ground for planting

• Improving soil structure and quality

• Planting container grown and bare root plants and trees

• How to care for a planted area or border

• Create containers for seasonal display

• Grow fruit and vegetables

• Propagate plants by seed indoors and directly outside

• Know how to make new plants by different types of cuttings

• Propagate new plants by grafting

• Create and work independently on your own garden projects

• Design a garden and produce a plan

• Use garden power tools safely

Theory assessment will be short-answer questions and there will be observed practical assessments.

Level 1

No formal entry requirements

Level 2

5 GCSEs at grade 9-3

OR

Level 1 Horticulture qualification with Level 1 English or maths

Further Study:

On successful completion and with the required English and maths grades you can progress through the levels.

Career Opportunities:

On completion of level 1 You will gain the skills and knowledge to work in the horticultural industry as a plant care assistant at a nursery or garden centre or work as part of a professional gardening team.

On completion of level 2 it could lead to an apprenticeship or employment in the following areas: Agricultural/Horticultural Technician, Gardener, Horticultural Garden Centre Worker or Landscaper.