RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
RQF Qualification Number: 601/0355/3
A great introduction to key principles
Enrolments onto this course closed on April 1 2022.
We plan to launch the new RHS syllabus from September. Please contact our student advisors for further information and guidance or, to register your interest in the new syllabus without obligation, please click here
This popular RHS course is an ideal first step for learners considering a career in horticulture. It’s also a great choice for leisure or professional gardeners who want to improve their knowledge, including some essential theory! Topics covered range from the miracle of how plants grow, how to propagate them and maintain them, to plant selection, basic surveying, garden design and the benefits of greenhouses and other protected environments.
- Provides a broad-based understanding of plant biology and horticultural techniques
- Flexible home-study course so you can fit your learning around your work and life
- Quality course material and excellent tutor support – to help you achieve your goals
- Follows the RHS syllabus
- HCC is an approved Distance Learning Provider with RHS for the Level 2 qualifications
- On successful completion of your studies and the RHS exams you will receive the nationally recognised RHS qualification
- Suitable for both amateur and professional gardeners
- No previous experience needed
This course consists of two parts:
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development (RQF 601/0554/9)
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment & Maintenance (RQF 500/8295/4)
(These two parts, which we also offer separately that lead to distinct qualifications in their own right, make up the ‘RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture’)
Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.
The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)
All the required study materials are included.
On successful completion of your studies and the RHS exams you will be awarded the nationally recognised RHS qualification.
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development – A 4-lesson study programme of preparation for the RHS examination.
Lesson 1 – Plant Classification, Structure and Function
- Classification and taxonomy
- Plant development and life cycles
- Structure and function of plant cells and tissues
- External vegetative parts of the plant
- Reproductive plant structures
- The function of fruits and seeds
- Photosynthesis and respiration
- Movement of water, minerals and sugar
- Plant growth and development
Lesson 2 – Plant Nutrition and the Root Environment
- Understanding the importance of using safe, healthy & environmentally sustainable practices
- The soil horizons
- The physical properties of soil
- Factors that determine the water status in soil
- The importance of organic matter and living soil organisms in the root environment
- The importance of soil pH
- Plant nutrition provided by soil & growing media
- Alternative growing media
Lesson 3 – Maintaining Plant Health
- Scientific principles and horticultural practices of plant health problems
- Safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable practices
- Effects and control of weeds
- Typical plant pests
- Typical plant diseases
- Plant physiological disorders
- Plant health problems
Lesson 4 – Understanding Plant Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Harvesting and storing seeds
- Propagation from seed
- Propagation from cuttings
- Vegetative propagation techniques
- Budding and grafting
- Safe, healthy & environmentally sustainable practices
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment & Maintenance – A 4-lesson study programme of preparation for the RHS examination.
Lesson 1 – Garden Features, Plant Selection and Planning
- Basic surveying techniques
- Site appraisal
- Principles and elements of garden design
- Garden design styles
- Using hard landscaping materials in garden planning
- Using soft landscaping in garden planning
- A cohesive design
- Safety, health and environmentally sustainable practices
Lesson 2 – The Choice, Establishment and Maintenance of Garden Plants and Lawns
- Scientific principles and horticultural practices and their relation to the selection of plants
- Selection of plants for seasonal displays
- Selection of herbaceous perennial plants & bulbs
- Selection of plants for woody display
- Selection of alpine and rock garden plants
- Planting and maintenance of garden ponds
- Establishing lawns and turf
- Maintenance of turfed areas
Lesson 3 – Production of Outdoor Vegetables and Fruit
- Site selection
- Cultural operations for outdoor food production
- Production of vegetable crops
- Production of top and soft fruit crops
- Health, safety and environmentally friendly practices
Lesson 4 – Protected Environments and their use in Plant Cultivation
- Health, safety and environmentally friendly practices
- Protective structures
- The environment within protected structures
- Structural and cladding material of protected structures
- Environmental control in protected structures
- Containers used for production and display
- Horticultural uses of the protected environment
- Care of interior plants
RHS qualification:
Upon successful completion of RHS examinations you will be awarded:
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
(consisting of two certificates:
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development;
and
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance)
This course is available for student enrolments up to April 2022 and registered students will have until the final exam session scheduled for February 2024 to successfully achieve this qualification. RHS are launching new qualifications which will become available from September 2022. For further information please visit our news page.
Your course materials and the valuable tutor feedback you will receive during your studies will help to prepare you for the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications. When you are ready to sit the examinations, you will need to register as a candidate with HCC or as an external candidate using another RHS Approved Centre. We offer advice and assistance for booking examinations when you are ready. Please click here for RHS and assessment centre requirements and fees.
You will also need to obtain the RHS syllabus and an entry form directly from the Royal Horticultural Society. Please click here to download the RHS outline syllabus, and for further information on examination dates and fees. Your exam fees are payable to the RHS Approved Centre.
We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.
Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.
You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You do not need previous gardening knowledge or experience to enrol on this qualification.
If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-14 months (approx 290 learning hours)*.
Enrolments onto this course will close on April 1 2022; registered students will have until the final exam session which is scheduled for February 2024 to successfully achieve this qualification. RHS are launching new qualifications which will become available from September 2022. For further information please visit our news page.
*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.
- You could do the following jobs:
- Garden maintenance and planting
- Working in a nursery: growing, selling, and management
- Garden sitting service (i.e. maintaining gardens while the owners are on holiday)
- Growing and selling container plants or house plants.
- You could progress to our RHS Level 3 courses:
RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation
RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting
