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

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.

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.

The college has a library of over 1,000 horticultural books and reference resources and we are always happy to provide additional information.

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

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-12 months (approx 140 learning hours)*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

Upon successful completion of RHS examinations you will be awarded:

• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation 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 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.

• Particularly suitable if you are considering a career in the field of plant growing (eg nursery growing, growing and selling container or house plants) or propagation

• If you already work in the horticultural profession, this course would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients your interest in plant growth and propagation

• You could progress to the RHS Level 3 course:

  RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation

You do not need previous gardening knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

There are 2 ways you can enrol

• Pay the course fee of £295* in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95*, followed by 4 instalments of £50