Notes on RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture

One of the qualifications we look for when taking on gardeners to work for GardenAdvice.co.uk is the completion of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture.

Summary of RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture is in two parts:
– The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, which must be completed at a college or accredited site.
– The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development, which can be completed as a correspondence course.

The cost would be around £2000 over two years plus the cost lost income for 33 to 35 days at a college on day release for the  The Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture 

Plus the time spent on studying at home for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture

The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture is designed to develop hands-on gardening skills, covering tasks such as planting, pruning, propagation, and garden maintenance. It must be completed in-person at an RHS-accredited centre or college, where practical assessments are conducted on-site.

Where to Study

Examples of colleges and institutions offering this course include:

• – Writtle collage
• – Capel Manor College (London, multiple campuses)
• – Best in Horticulture (Ryton Gardens, Oxfordshire)
• – Askham Bryan College (York)
• – South Staffordshire College (Rodbaston Campus)
• – Berkshire College of Agriculture (Maidenhead, Berkshire)
• – Myerscough College (Preston, Lancashire)

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

This part of the qualification focuses on the theoretical aspects of horticulture, including plant science, nutrition, and soil management. It is ideal for those who prefer flexible learning and can be completed remotely through correspondence courses.

Distance Learning Options

Examples of correspondence course providers include:

Please note distance learning can only be used for RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development its not available for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

• – Best in Horticulture (with online classroom access)
• – Leafy Learning (fully online courses)

Financial Support Options

If you need financial assistance for completing the RHS Level 2 qualifications, consider these options:
– RHS Bursaries: These provide partial funding for horticultural studies.
– Employer Sponsorship: Employers may offer support for professional development.
– College or Training Provider Assistance: Some institutions provide their own bursaries or payment plans.
– External Grants: Organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Horticulture offer grants and bursaries.

Next Steps

To pursue the RHS Level 2 qualifications, choose a study provider that fits your schedule and learning style. Ensure the institution is RHS-approved, and explore funding opportunities to support your studies. For more details, visit the RHS website.

Example Costs and Course Breakdown

Here are some example costs and course details for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture, including typical syllabus topics and providers.

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (Example)

Provider: Writtle College
Study Format: 1 year, part-time
Accreditation: Royal Horticultural Society
Cost: £1,246

• Syllabus Topics:
• – Plant Identification: Identifying a wide range of plants.
• – Plant Establishment: Site preparation, planting in containers and open ground, hedging, and staking.
• – Plant Propagation: Professional propagation techniques, including seed and vegetative methods.
• – Plant Health: Environmental factors, pests, pathogens, and biosecurity.
• – Plant Care: Garden maintenance, watering, fertilising, and green waste management.
• – Plant Pruning: Principles of pruning, hedge trimming, and tool maintenance.
• – Garden Features: Maintenance of timber elements, paved surfaces, and ponds.
• – Grassed Areas: Turf establishment, mowing, aeration, and weed control.

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

Provider: HC College
Cost: £500
Units: Two units with multiple topics covering theoretical aspects of horticulture.

• Unit 1 Topics:
• – Plant Science I: Plant structure, pollination, photosynthesis, and water movement.
• – Plant Health: Factors affecting plant health, pests, and biosecurity.
• – Plant Nutrition: Soil types, nutrients, pH, and growing media.
• – Plant Specification: Plant-site matching, post-planting care, and maintenance.
• Unit 2 Topics:
• – Plant Science II: Adaptations of leaves, stems, roots, and seeds.
• – Planting Styles: Formal and informal plantings, edible landscapes, and plant uses.
• – Horticulture and Society: Social, environmental, and economic contributions of horticulture.
• – Biodiversity: Creating habitats, climate change impact, and biodiversity action plans.

Examination and Assessment Details

Examinations and assessments for the RHS Level 2 qualifications are conducted on specific dates set by the RHS. For the latest dates and further details, visit:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/pdf/qualifications/useful-links/rhs-qualifications-examination-dates.pdf

Additional Resources

For more information about RHS Level 2 qualifications, including exam details and learning providers, refer to the following links:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/qualifications-and-training/rhs-qualifications/level-two/exams-and-assessment

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