Horticulture
Free online taster horticulture courses
This collection of courses introduces you to a wide range of topics including propagation, cultivation, design and plant biology.
These courses were developed by the Horticulture department at UHI Argyll.
Drystone Walling
In this intensive introduction to drystone walling, you’ll learn how to repair and construct field walls and drystone garden features. Ideal for beginners, this course equips you with the basics to safely build drystone walls and features at home.
Suitable for ages 14 and above. For inquiries related to physical disabilities affecting tool use or stone lifting, please contact us.
- Where? Helensburgh (three-week course), Rothesay (one-week course)
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time Helensburgh Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 26th August, Rothesay 19th -23rd August.
- Want to find out more? Visit the Eventbrite page
Introduction to Garden Design
In this intensive course, you’ll learn garden design principles, site survey basics, and how to create a scaled design for your chosen space.
This course would suit anyone with an interest in improving their garden or interested in learning basic design skills to begin designing for other people.
- Where? Helensburgh, Rothesay
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time: 16th September - 11th October Tuesday and Wednesdays
- Want to find out more? Visit the Eventbrite page
Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture
Learn how to design and deliver therapeutic horticultural activities to improve wellbeing, mental health, cognitive decline, social isolation, physical health, community building and to tackle food poverty. This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in supporting groups or individuals to use gardening for therapeutic benefit.
- Where? Helensburgh
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time: Wednesdays 5.30 pm-7.30 pm. From 26th August 2024 to 17th January 2025
- Want to find out more? Visit the Eventbrite page
Introduction to Gardening and Horticulture
Enhance horticulture skills at Mount Stuart Estate, Isle of Bute (if studying on Bute), or Hermitage Park (if studying from Helensburgh). This practical course covers Allotment Gardening, Plant Propagation, and Soft Landscaping.
Ideal for garden enthusiasts aiming to succeed in their own gardens or pursue a horticulture career
- Where? Rothesay or Helensburgh
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time - all day Thursday (Helensburgh & Rothesay) from 26th August 2024 to 17th January 2025
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page
Horticulture NC
Whether you simply want to improve your skills in the garden or are considering a career in horticulture, this highly practical course will equip you with all the essentials you need to succeed.
- Where? Helensburgh, Rothesay
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time, starts Jan 2025
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page
Horticulture HNC
The HNC Horticulture is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of horticulture and landscape and develop – at a practical level – an understanding of plants' characteristics, growth, and use.
The course will be delivered by very experienced horticulture lecturers and an award-winning garden designer.
- Where? This course can be studied from anywhere in Scotland with two days per week of online theory classes and 5 residential field trips to carry out practical work.
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page
Horticulture HND
The HND Horticulture will develop your skills in plant and crop physiology and breeding, planting design, soil management and landscape surveying, as well as experience in the care, maintenance and management of plants. You will also have the opportunity to gain experience in ecology and plant habitat conservation.
- Where? This course can be studied from anywhere in Scotland with two days per week of online theory classes and 5 residential field trips to carry out practical work
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page