The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) Certificate in Practical Horticulture (CPH) is a unique course that focuses on the essential skills needed by budding horticulturists today.

Building on over 100 years of professional horticulture training at the garden, this compact course has been designed to give students a solid grounding in horticultural techniques.

As a CPH student you will learn key practical skills, taught by experienced and enthusiastic horticulturists. The essential theory behind the practice is explained, then most of the time is spent learning practical skills and getting 'your hands dirty'.

What does the course cover?
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture (CPH) is a unique course that focuses on the essential skills needed by budding horticulturists today. Subjects covered on the course include Soil Care, Feeding & Watering, Seed & Vegetative Propagation and Growing Media. Full descriptors for all units are available in the applicants’ handbook.

When can I start?
We are currently in the process of planning for the 2020/21 academic year, however this process has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are interested in joining the waiting list for this course please email the Education Department including your name and the course you are interested in.

When details are confirmed you will be sent a copy of the applicants’ handbook as soon as it’s released.

Please note that while we work to support students on courses that were unable to complete this year as planned, some courses may have to start at a later date or in some cases might not be able to run at all.  

How is this course assessed?
Students who attend all 10 days and pass the assessment are awarded the RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture. The course is assessed through a practical exam (80% of grade) and online quizzes (20% of grade).

Do I need any prior knowledge?
You do not need prior knowledge or experience to apply for this course. Enthusiasm and motivation is all that is required! This course is the perfect complement to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture and can be completed before or after studying the RHS course.

How much does the course cost?
The cost for the course is £600. Full payment for the course is required on acceptance of a place.

What do I need?
This is a practical course so each module will involve indoor and outdoor work. Each week you will need to bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothes (even indoor workstations can be cold)
• Steel toe-capped work boots
• Bypass Secateurs
• Packed lunch

After you are accepted on the course we can advise you about what to buy and where to buy these items.

How do I apply?

You can apply in 2020
If you would like to receive details of the next course when they become available, please email education@rbge.org.uk to be added to the mailing list.

CPH Courses Elsewhere
As well as being delivered at RBGE, the course is being taught in partner organisations in the UK: Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and abroad at Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanic Garden, Istanbul. This is possible through the use of concise and flexible course materials that are easily translated and can be tailored to the needs of different organisations. To ensure that quality and standards are maintained worldwide, RBGE administers the assessment, qualification and verification guidelines.