This course of study is designed to provide a broad introduction to the principles and practice of horticulture for those wishing to pursue a professional career in horticulture and for keen amateur gardeners, particularly those who want the opportunity to have their knowledge formally assessed.

The Course
This is an evening course (7.30pm - 9.30pm) over eighteen months.

The course enables the student to gain a wide background knowledge in the Principles and Practice of Horticulture, leading to the Royal Horticultural Society Examination in February.

The site provides the ideal learning environment and opportunities to see expert gardening practices.

Course Content

The Plant (Double unit)

• Plant identification and classification
• Internal and external plant structure
• Lifecycles and plant growth
• How plants function and important processes
  
  The Root Environment
• Soil formation, physical properties and makeup
• Plant nutrition
• Soil management
• Growing media
  
  Plant Health
• Pests and how to control them
• Diseases and how to control them
• Plant disorders· Chemical, cultural, physical and biological control methods
  
  Ornamental Garden Cultivation (Double unit)
• Lawn, establishment and care
• Maintenance and establishment of trees and shrubs
• Establishment of garden features such as ponds, rockeries and seasonal displays
  
  Garden Planning
• Garden surveying and collecting information
• Principles and elements of design
• Garden styles
• Use of hard and soft landscape materials
  
  Protected Cultivation
• Design and structure of glasshouses and other protected environments
• Controlling the protected environment
• Interior planting and house plants
  
  Outdoor food production
• Site selection and food production principles
• Growing vegetables
• Growing top and soft fruit
  
  Plant propagation
• Science and theory behind plant propagation
• Vegetative propagation
• Raising plants from seed
  
  

Qualifications Gained
Success on this course leads to the RHS General Examination - Horticulture. This is an accepted entry qualification for the RHS Advanced Certificate and RHS Diploma in Horticulture. It can also be used towards obtaining the National Certificate in Horticulture (NCH). For more information please ask for the NCH leaflet.

Assessments
Assessment is by two 1½ hour written papers.(Further details will be given during induction)

Entry Requirements
No formal entry requirements needed.

Additional Costs
Students must provide their own steel toe-cap safety boots and secateurs.

Venue
This course takes place at Capel Manor's main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, at Popes Lane, Gunnersbury Park, Acton, West London, at Upminster Court, Hall Lane, Upminster, Essex and at The Storeyard, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Part-time		T	Sept	7.30-9.30pm	£263	£80	18 months

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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