RHS level 3

As mentioned on the “introductions’ page, this is a completely new, combined course and is undoubtedly the most comprehensive horticultural distance learning course available. The course contains extensive and detailed material that includes all that provided in our RHS level 2 courses (though much extended and more widely based) together with all the material formerly contained in our well known and highly regarded RHS (Advanced) level 3 course. An extensive section on Garden Design has also been added.

The course will provide students with full and complete preparation for all the examinations for the RHS level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture, the RHS level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation and the level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting.

There are no pre-requisites for entry to the qualification.

The qualifications are accredited within the Qualifications and Credit Framework.

Accreditation Number: 500/8294/2 (level 2) and 500/8547/5 and 500/8339/9 (level 3)

Successful completion of the RHS examinations will provide 28 credits at level 2 and 30 credits at level 3

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Course Summary:

The course contains 39 substantial A4 Study Books together with associated tutor marked assignments and is a substantial undertaking.

Full tutorial support will be provide for a period of 36 months

Study book 1: Horticulture Today - An Introduction

Scientific research, Education and Development in an historical and contemporary context: Horticulture Today ~ The Past, The Present, The Future, Genetically Modified Foods; the way ahead.

Study book 2: Plant Nomenclature and Classification

Scientific naming of plants; purpose, importance and the binomial system. Family, genus, species, subspecies, variety and cultivar. Descriptive terminology, keys and glossaries.

Study book 3: Plant Structure and Characteristics

Cells and plant tissue. Leaf, stem and root cells; structure, form and function; leaf, stem, root, flower, fruit and seed.

Study book 4: Plant Processes

Pollination, fertilization, dormancy and germination. Plant growth and development; tissue differentiation and growth regulators, annuals, biennials and perennials.

Study book 5: Plant Physiology

Water uptake and translocation, osmosis, nutrient requirements and deficiencies. Transpiration and environmental effects. Respiration and photosynthesis. Phototropism and photoperiodism.

Study books 6 ~ 8: Horticultural Husbandry

In these three major modules, horticultural practice is deal with in detail, both in general terms and as related to the specific categories listed below:

• Propagation and cultural techniques: seeds, cuttings, layering, budding, division, grafting, micro-propagation and tissue culture. Post propagation, hardening off and the ' weaning process'.

• Cultivations and tillage, garden machinery, tools and equipment, drainage, rotations, containers, pots, blocks and other modules.

• Cultural practices, systems and management techniques: artificial control of the environment; glasshouses, tunnels, cloches and other protective structures, competition, companion planting, thinning and transplanting, staking, training, pruning, irrigation, liming and feeding.

• Plant/crop/feature selection and use, choices appropriate to situation, appreciation of scale, position and location, planting density, disease resistant cultivars, layout and design, hard landscaping, decorative and functional features.

Study book 6: Horticultural Husbandry 1

Parts (a) - (c) Vegetables, salads and herbs. Part (d) Fruit. Part (e) Flowers.

Study book 7: Horticultural Husbandry 2

Part (a) Trees and Shrubs. Part (b) Containers, Patios and Conservatories. Part (c) Roses.

Study book 8: Horticultural Husbandry 3

Part (a) Glasshouse Crops. Part (b) Alpines, Rock Gardens and Aquatics. Part (c) Lawns and Amenity Horticulture.

Study book 9: Soil Structure and Function

Soil structure, texture and composition; clay, sand and silt, organic matter, water, air, nutrients and living organisms. Principles of soil management and the water table. Measurement, effect and control of pH.Nutrient cycles and the role of living organisms.

Study book 10: Manures, Composts and Fertilizer

FYM; types, composition and typical analysis, nutrient availability and release, storage, viability and uses. Composts; loam based, loamless, composition, making and mixing. The organic approach. The wormery. Artificial growing media and hydroponics. Organic and inorganic fertilizers, environmental considerations, types, uses and application. Base, top dressings and mulches. Green manures, liquid fertilizers and foliar feeding.

Study book 11: Pests, Diseases, Disorders and Weeds

Definition, symptoms and identification, mode of attack and damage; insects, molluscs, mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nutritional and environmental disorders. Biological, cultural and chemical control methods and techniques, integrated pest management schemes. Environmental and conservation considerations.

Study book 12: Garden Design and Planning

Study Book 12a     An Introduction & Brief History of Garden Design

Study Book 12b     The Design Process

Study Book 12c     Site Appraisal and the Site Brief

Study Book 12d     The Site Survey

Study Book 12e     Principles and Elements of Design, Design Strategies

Study Book 12f      Draft designs and sketches, Soft landscaping; the selection of plants for specific purposes, Garden styles                               and features, Working drawings and the planting plan

Study book 12g      Hard Landscaping: role, form and function as elements of design

Study book 12h      Soils: handling, preparation and drainage

Study book 12i       Working drawings: interpretation and setting out, preliminary site works

Study book 12j       Hard Landscaping: the construction of paths, paving and garden structures

Study book 13: Conservation and Environmental Issues

Chemical, cultural and biological prevention, control and protection methodology.assessing and avoiding risks to the environment, awareness of risks and effects of physical damage and pollution including legislative issues. Ecology in the garden and at work. Awareness and understanding of the roles of environmental and conservation agencies and organizations including:The RHS, The Institute of Horticulture, the Institute of Biology, The seedbanks,The National Fruit Collection, The Botanical Society of the British Isles, The Council for the Preservation of Rural England, The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, The Soil Association.

Study book 14: Legislation and the Horticulturist

Appreciation of legislation, regulations and codes of practice, the importance of risk assessment, hazard identification, selection, safe use, storage and disposal, as applicable and in relation to:

(1) Tools, machinery, equipment, hand tools, ladders, mowers, sprayers, cultivators etc. Heating and ventilation.

(2) Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other garden chemicals;

(3) Hard and soft landscaping features including: fences, paths, steps, paving, decking, buildings, water features. Water, fuel and waste product storage tanks, trees, poisonous and potentially harmful plants.

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Course Fees:

Traditional printed format of full colour, A4, lay flat study books £645

CD Format £445

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