RHS level 2 certificate

[barney]

I am thinking of studying for the new RHS certificate in Horticulture this winter. It will give me something to do, other than watching tele during the dark nights!
I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they found the course beneficial? How long did it take to complete?
How much previous experience of gardening is needed?
Did they study at college or use one of the approved correspondence colleges?

[digthatchick]

I did mine at Pershore Horticulture college - the course is part time - one day a week for 36 weeks or one evening a week over 18 months.
Exams are in February and June.

I have found it very useful as I changed jobs in 2007 after being made redundant, I now have a successful gardening business and am moving more into plant propagation.

Providing you have a keen interest in gardening (both plants and fruit and veg) I feel you will enjoy the course and benefit from it.

Good luck

[piskieinboots]

I did mine at Waterperry Hort College, lovely lovely place - otherwise second all that DTC has said

[barney]

Thank you for the quick and positive! response.

[supraflyguy]

I was actually looking at doing the same the other day with ICS, but wasn't sure if it would be beneficial. I have no interest in engineering anymore, and since gardening is a big passion of mine I thought it was time for a career change.

Good to know after reading this it is useful. Might get on the phone now...

[Scottishnewbie]

i'm currently studing for it and cant recommend it highly enough. really makes a difference to your knowledge and confidnece - esp if a beginner like me. you also meet some cracking like-minded people and that in itself makes it worthwhile i think - as hubby not in the slightest gardening minded...or interested!

go for it i say!

[zazen999]

I did it last year; at Derby and yes - enjoyed it.....apart from going and getting a darned job in Hort and thus having to miss a few sessions.....and the people were excellent!

[piskieinboots]

My interest in taking it wasn't for a career change, it was more for personal pleasure, more knowledge of why I'm doing what I'm doing and finding ways of doing it better.

I believe it has made me a better gardener - and given the choice I would always choose attending college over correspondence.

[cardiffsteve]

Is someone doing a RHS course perchance?

[Peas'n'Kews]

See this thread!

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ses_55841.html