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.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate. You also have the option to take exams for the nationally recognised RHS qualifications.

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.

All learners are eligible for an NUS Extra card.

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.

HCC Certificate:

On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Certificate*,  graded to show the standard you have reached. Because of the HCC’s reputation this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

RHS qualifications:

There is no obligation to sit the external examinations for the nationally recognised RHS qualifications, but they can be particularly valuable for vocational learners. When you pass you will be awarded:

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

For the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications, you would need to register as an external candidate with an RHS Approved Centre. Lists of such centres are available from the HCC on request.

You would also need to obtain the RHS syllabus and an entry form directly from the Royal Horticultural Society. Please click here to download RHS outline syllabus, examination dates and fees. Your exam fees are payable to the RHS Approved Centre.

* The HCC Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• 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 total course fee of £245 in one sum and also receive a special gift from our selection – free
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 3 instalments of £50