Updated 15th January 2026
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture* at Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a 10-day course that will give you the fundamental practical skills of a horticulturist.
The course is offered in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and supported by the Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The course is coordinated by Lisa Swift, who also teaches alongside lead tutor Billy Kenny. Tutors Billy and Lisa bring a wealth of horticultural knowledge and expertise to this project, as well as providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Glasgow Botanic Gardens provides an inspiring venue for learning, through its plant collections and outdoor spaces.
The course fees are £550, including £50 non-refundable deposit. The course takes place at weekends, the full list of dates are at the end of this page.
Please fill in an application form in the drop down below if you would like to join the course.
You can access module information in the handbook below.
*Please note this is not an RHS course.
Spring 2026 Course dates
CPH01 Looking at Plants – Saturday, 21st March
CPH02 Soil Care – Saturday, 28th March
CPH03 Feeding & Watering – Saturday, 11th April
CPH04 Seed Propagation – Saturday, 18th April
CPH05 Vegetative Propagation – Saturday, 25th April
CPH06 Growing Media & Potting – Saturday, 9th May
CPH07 Planting – Saturday, 16th May
CPH08 Pruning & Training – Sunday, 17th May
Revision Day – Saturday, 30th May
Assessment – Saturday, 6th June
Summer 2026 Course dates
CPH01 Looking at Plants – Saturday, 15th August
CPH02 Soil Care – Saturday, 22nd August
CPH03 Feeding & Watering – Saturday, 29th August
CPH04 Seed Propagation – Saturday, 5th September
CPH05 Vegetative Propagation – Saturday, 12th September
CPH06 Growing Media & Potting – Saturday, 19th September
CPH07 Planting – Saturday, 3rd October
CPH08 Pruning & Training – Saturday, 17th October
Revision Day – Saturday, 24th October
Assessment – Saturday, 31st October
