City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills (20 weeks × 6-hour sessions, November to April)
Where? Suffolk Rural Campus
When? Commencing 6th November 2026, Fridays 9:30am to 16:00pm
Who? Adult 19+ learners only
Turn Your Passion into a Profession. Gain a nationally recognised, hands-on qualification through a flexible 1-day-a-week commitment that fits around life, work, and family. Whether you want to develop an interest or progress to a career in horticulture.
The course seasonally progresses through tasks which give a grounding in the fundamentals of horticulture. Learn the core winter-to-spring techniques (dormant pruning, plant propagation, soil preparation, designing a planting plan ) that set professional gardeners apart.
Gain an understanding of the skills and techniques undertaken through preparing soils, selecting plants, propagation and maintaining a range of planted areas.
Please note that all of our land based courses involve a significant amount of practical, outdoor learning throughout the year and in all weather conditions. Learners should be prepared to work outdoors regularly and have a reasonable level of physical fitness to undertake practical activities safely and effectively.
City & Guilds certification opens immediate pathways to self-employment, commercial landscaping, or local council roles.
Unit of study breakdown
- 204 care for a planted area
- 220 propagate plants by stem cuttings
- 210 prepare ground for planting
- 249 produce a planting plan
- 161 Assess soil texture and condition
- 245 lay out plants for planting
Assessments
Assessments follow at the end of each topic and consist of knowledge questioning and practical task completion. This is assessed by your tutor.
Course Highlights
Practically based course which focuses on developing the core skills and techniques.
Excellent facilities on site at the Rural campus.
Enjoyment on the course and develop connections within a social group
Entry Requirements
- Adult PT
- A good level of literacy skills in order to complete the assessments.
Progression Options:
Progress on to the RHS Level 2 Courses in Both Theory or Practical. A career in the industry, Landscape Design level 3. Volunteers within Estates and Community Horticulture Groups.
