RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development

Online study

This course is delivered online or via mixed study¹and consists of two units which are broken down into 4 topics.

Upon enrolment you receive access to our unique online learning platform and lesson materials, providing you with the learning resources you need.

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 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. You can sit the examinations online from home.

Additional study options

Mixed Study¹

As part of your enrolment onto this course you will receive access to our unique online platform which will provide you with online access to your course materials – making them easy to access on-the-go.

Once logged on, you can also request to have the materials supplied in printed format for you to keep, make notes and use for future reference.

¹Mixed study option is available to request from within the online platform, a one-off fee is payable to cover printing and postage costs (available for UK based students only).

RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development consists of 2 units which are broken down into 4 topics each:

Unit 1
Topic 1: Plant Science 1: provides underpinning knowledge of the plant, its structure and function.

1. Scientific and common plant names
2. Lifecycle adaptations
3. External parts of the plant
4. Internal plant structures
5. Pollination and fertilisation
6. Photosynthesis and respiration
7. Movement of water through the plant

Topic 2: Plant Health: provides underpinning knowledge and understanding of the effect of a range of factors on plant health.

1. Environmental conditions
2. Plant nutrition and plant health
3. Impact of competition on plant health
4. Pests and pathogens
5. Biosecurity and plant passports
6. Maintaining plant health

Topic 3: Plant Nutrition: provides horticultural knowledge of plant nutrition and growing media.

1. Soil types and profiles
2. Role of nutrients
3. Soil-based nutrition
4. pH and nutrient availability
5. Bulk constituents for growing media

Topic 4: Plant Specification: provides horticultural knowledge to make recommendations for planting based on matching plant need and site requirements.

1. Site-based criteria
2. Plant-based criteria
3. Plant specifications
4. Receiving plant material on site
5. Planting and post-planting care
6. Maintaining new plantings

End of unit examination

Unit 2

Topic 1: Plant Science II: provides an understanding of the range and role of plant adaptations.

1. Leaf adaptations
2. Stem adaptations
3. Root adaptations
4. Flower adaptations
5. Seed adaptations
6. Growth habit adaptations

Topic 2: Planting Styles: provides horticultural knowledge of the factors involved in creating a wide range of different horticultural plantings.

1. Historical contexts
2. Formal planting
3. Informal planting
4. Plant associations
5. Plant uses
6. Edible landscapes
7. Short-term plantings

Topic 3: Horticulture and Society: allows learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of horticulture’s contribution to society, including social, environmental and economic.

1. Wellbeing
2. Environment
3. Economy
4. Community

Topic 4: Biodiversity: provides an applied knowledge of the roles of plants in creating habitats to encourage biodiversity.

1. Plants and biodiversity
2. Impact of climate change
3. Creating habitats
4. Citizen science and species surveys
5. Biodiversity Action Plans

End of unit examination

RHS qualification:

Upon successful completion of RHS examinations you will be awarded:

• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development

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 commence your course, RHS requires you to register with HCC as a candidate for the qualification. HCC administers this process on your behalf. You will receive an invoice for your Learner registration fee of £200.00 which includes registration, assessment and certification. These are due within 30 days of commencing your studies.

We offer advice and assistance for booking examinations when you are ready. Please click here for RHS and assessment centre requirements and fees.

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 180 learning hours)*. Your enrolment includes 2 years of course access. If you need access beyond 2 years from enrolment, additional fees may apply.

*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.