Course Overview

Consider the plant’s key physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration and water movement.  Understand mechanisms of pollination, fertilisation, seed formation and germination.  Explore basic surveying and design principles.  Study soils and growing media and learn how the environment can be controlled in locations such as greenhouses.  Examine ornamental plants as well as fruits and vegetables.  And, learn how to control pests, disease and weed infestations.

Pre-requisites

No previous experience required.

Qualification

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture

Support and benefits

• 3 complimentary textbooks
• Nationally recognised qualification
• Access to a dedicated ICS tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library

Key topics

Horticulture I – Planning, Principles & Production

• The Plant

Explore the classification of flowering plants and identify a variety of fruits and seeds. Study reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake, and the function of plant cells and tissues. Consider various factors that can affect the development of a plant.

• Plant Propagation

Explore the conditions necessary for propagation by seed, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of vegetative and sexual propagation. Discover suitable environments for a range of methods of propagation. Examine the methods of budding and grafting.

• Outdoor Food Production

Learn how to assess and prepare a site for fruit and vegetable growing. Discover how to grow, harvest and store a range of fruits and vegetables.

• Garden Planning

Learn basic garden surveying techniques and explore a range of garden styles. Discover suitable materials for a range of hard landscape features, and suitable plants for a range of soft landscape features. Examine client briefs.

Horticulture II – Ornamental, Principles & Maintenance

• The Root Environment and Plant Nutrition

Explore soil horizon, soil texture and soil structure. Examine the importance of controlling soil moisture, and discover how to improve soil structure. Consider the functions of lime and study various composts.

• Protected Cultivation

Explore a range of protective structures. Examine ways of controlling the environment within protective structures. Learn how to cultivate a variety of plants within protective structures.

• Horticultural Plant Selection, Establishment and Maintenance

Explore a range of trees, shrubs, annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials, and consider their suitability for a variety of different situations. Consider hedges, lawns, plant containers and hanging baskets.

• Horticultural Plant Health Problem

Explore various methods of weed control, as well as methods of controlling various pests, fungal diseases, bacterial diseases and viruses.

Course Code

A01

Hours of study

12 months / 120 hours

Technical requirements

• You must be at least 16
• You must register with RHS to receive your certificate.
• RHS registration fees are additional to course and exam fees
  

Outline

You’ll complete eight formative assessments during your course and one exam on completion of your course. The formative assessments can be submitted to ICS online via the Student Community, or they can be posted to ICS. It is recommended that you submit your formative assessments online as you will receive your results more quickly this way.

Assessment Breakdown

• Formative Assessments 1-8: 5 compulsory short answer questions and 3 (of a choice of 5) short essay questions (per formative assessment)
• Final Exam: the first question paper requires you to complete 15 short answer questions, and the second paper requires you to complete 3 essay style questions. The pass mark is 50%.

Notes

Short answer questions normally require you to write between a sentence and a paragraph.

Short essay questions normally require you to write several paragraphs.

The exam can be sat at your nearest authorised testing centre.

Please note that the exam fee is additional to the course fee.