Gardening and horticulture generally are essentially practical activities much enhanced by an understanding of how plants grow. This colourful guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of horticulture. It is written in a clear and accessible style and covers the principles that underpin growing plants for the garden and allotment, with reference to how these are tackled by professionals.

With highlighted definitions, key points and illustrations in full colour, this book will be a useful companion as you progress in the study and practice of horticulture. The book covers topics such as classifying and naming plants, the plant life cycle, ecology and garden wildlife, soils, composts, hydroponics, weeds, plant nutrition, plant pests, and plant diseases and disorders. The new edition has been updated to reflect changes in legislation and the modernization of horticultural practices. It is also fully reflective of the changes in the new syllabuses for horticulture at Level 2.

Principles of Horticulture is a valuable resource whether you are taking a Level 2 RHS, City and Guilds, Teagasc or SNQ course, or are a keen amateur or seasoned gardener.

The book is accompanied by ancillary materials including essential and extended information on horticultural principles and downloadable instructor resources.

Table of Contents

1 Horticulture and gardening

2 Classifying and naming plants

3 The plant life cycle

4 Plant cells and tissues

5 Roots, stems, leaves and their adaptations

6 Plant reproduction

7 Plant growth

8 Transport in plants

9 Ecology and garden wildlife

10 The root environment

11 Soil water

12 Organic matter in soils

13 Plant nutrition

14 Growing in containers

15 Plant health maintenance

16 Weeds

17 Plant pests

18 Plant diseases and disorders

This colourful guide will explain the fundamentals of growing plants, whether you are taking a Level 3 RHS, City and Guilds or Edexcel course, are a grower or gardener in the industry, or are just a keen amateur. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book covers the principles that underpin plant production, the use of growing media and crop protection, but with reference also to the same practices in the garden or allotment. With highlighted definitions, key points, and illustrated in full colour, this book will be a useful companion as you progress in the study and practice of horticulture. Complete with a companion website which includes extended horticultural information, questions and exercises to test your knowledge, syllabus cross-referencing and downloadable tutor and student support materials. Available at www.routledge.com/cw/adams

This colourful guide will explain the fundamentals of growing plants, whether you are taking a Level 3 RHS, City and Guilds or Edexcel course, are a grower or gardener in the industry, or are just a keen amateur. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book covers the principles that underpin plant production, the use of growing media and crop protection, but with reference also to the same practices in the garden or allotment. With highlighted definitions, key points, and illustrated in full colour, this book will be a useful companion as you progress in the study and practice of horticulture. Complete with a companion website which includes extended horticultural information, questions and exercises to test your knowledge, syllabus cross-referencing and downloadable tutor and student support materials.