The Certificate in Horticulture Studies (RHS) Training Course, delivered by Oxford Training Centre, offers an in-depth foundation in the principles and practices of horticulture with a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application. Designed to meet the professional standards of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), this programme provides participants with a recognised qualification that is valued across the horticultural and landscape sectors. Structured to reflect the core competencies needed in today’s green industries, the course equips learners to work confidently in roles ranging from professional gardening to landscape design and plant consultancy.
Participants will explore core areas of horticultural science training, garden planning, plant physiology, propagation techniques, and sustainable gardening systems. The curriculum emphasises best practices for maintaining plant health, managing soils, and applying environmentally responsible techniques in diverse horticultural environments. Delivered with academic rigour and practical clarity, the course also supports those seeking to meet CPD requirements or re-skill for career transition within the green economy.
The course is fully aligned with the objectives of Environmental and Agriculture Training Courses, focusing on sustainability, ecosystem awareness, and plant-environment interactions. Whether learners aim to gain a formal and recognised qualification in horticulture or strengthen their technical foundation for career growth, this RHS horticulture course meets both academic and professional development needs. The course also provides a pathway into specialised horticulture qualifications and advanced career roles in garden management, nursery production, landscaping, and horticultural education.
Objectives
- To deliver a recognised and professionally structured certificate in horticulture that builds competence in plant science, propagation, and sustainable garden practices.
- To provide foundational and applied knowledge through an RHS certified horticulture training curriculum, supporting career development in horticulture-related fields.
- To develop learner proficiency in practical gardening and plant care through hands-on application and structured instruction aligned with RHS horticultural skills development standards.
- To enhance understanding of plant biology, garden design, and environmental horticulture within the framework of fundamentals of horticultural practices.
- To prepare learners for advanced studies or specialist roles by providing a pathway to RHS horticulture qualifications.
- To reinforce best practices in plant and garden science, with an emphasis on climate-conscious techniques and sustainable plant management.
Target Audience
- Individuals pursuing a career in gardening, landscaping, nursery work, or green infrastructure who require an industry-recognised RHS level horticulture certificate.
- Professionals in the horticultural, landscaping, or environmental sectors seeking to expand their technical competencies through a professional horticulture course.
- Garden designers, consultants, and property managers looking to enhance skills in plant care and garden management, plant identification, and sustainable horticulture.
- School leavers, career changers, and adult learners aiming to earn a certificate in horticulture as a foundation for further study or employment.
- Public sector employees, estate gardeners, and NGO staff involved in green space planning or environmental regeneration projects under Environmental and Agriculture Training Courses objectives.
How Will Attendees Benefit?
- Gain structured knowledge in horticulture studies training courses, enabling effective decision-making in plant care, pest control, and garden maintenance.
- Acquire practical skills for professional roles through structured modules in RHS certificate in practical horticulture, including pruning, planting, and soil testing.
- Understand plant science, propagation, and physiology as part of an integrated plant and garden science course designed to meet current industry standards.
- Enhance employability with a Royal Horticultural Society course credential that is recognised by employers and institutions across horticulture and green sector industries.
- Learn to design, assess, and manage gardens using environmentally responsible techniques rooted in soil science and garden design course content.
- Apply sustainable gardening practices, building resilience to climate variability and supporting ecosystem health through certified training in garden maintenance.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Horticultural Science and RHS Standards
- Overview of RHS horticulture course frameworks and qualifications
- Plant classification, structure, and functions in horticultural science training
- Role of horticulture in environmental stewardship and green infrastructure
Module 2: Plant Propagation and Nursery Techniques
- Techniques in seed germination, vegetative propagation, and cuttings
- Use of propagation media, temperature control, and sanitation
- Applied knowledge in horticulture and plant propagation training for nursery operations
Module 3: Soil Science and Growing Media
- Soil types, textures, and their role in plant health and development
- Soil amendment strategies and composting principles
- Modules focused on soil science and garden design courses for long-term productivity
Module 4: Garden Design and Landscape Planning
- Elements and principles of design in domestic and commercial contexts
- Site analysis, plant selection, and seasonal planning
- Core learning from certificate course in landscape and garden care
Module 5: Practical Gardening Techniques and Garden Maintenance
- Pruning, weeding, mulching, and plant establishment practices
- Maintenance of turf, flower beds, and perennial borders
- Skills training through a practical gardening and plant care course
Module 6: Pest, Disease, and Weed Management
- Identification of key pests and diseases in temperate horticulture
- Integrated pest management (IPM) and organic controls
- Safe handling and use of tools and plant protection products
Module 7: Plant Nutrition and Health Management
- Macronutrients and micronutrients in plant development
- Fertiliser selection, application, and environmental impact
- Relationship between plant nutrition and sustainable garden productivity
Module 8: Sustainable Practices in Horticulture
- Principles of water conservation, organic gardening, and biodiversity
- Climate-smart practices and garden adaptation strategies
- Embedded learning on sustainable and environmentally responsible horticulture practices
Module 9: Seasonal Tasks and Calendar Management
- Planning annual garden routines across seasonal changes
- Record-keeping, task scheduling, and productivity optimisation
- Incorporating practical experience in training in plant care and garden management
Module 10: Career Applications and Industry Integration
- Pathways in garden consultancy, estate gardening, and green infrastructure
- Guidance on meeting professional development or CPD requirements in the green industry
- Preparing for RHS assessments and long-term progression in horticultural roles