RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture

Course Content

• This qualification consists of eight compulsory topics summarised below.
  Plant Identification enables learners to identify a wide range of plants.
  Plant Establishment, includes site based assessment, seed-sowing, establishing hedges and trees, planting in containers.
  Plant Propagation for professional purposes covering seed and vegetative propagation.
  Plant Health provides the skills to be able to identify and prevent a range of threats to plant health.
  Plant Care provides the skills and knowledge to implement garden maintenance plans and high quality aftercare in a variety of situations.
  Plant Pruning covers the principles and practices associated with the pruning requirements of a range of plants.
  Garden Features provides the skills and knowledge to care and maintain a range of features including structures and fences, statues and stonework ponds and hard surfaces.
  Grassed Areas covers the skills required for public and private grassed areas including selection of species, establishing a sward, annual maintenance, weed and pest control, repair and nutrition of turf.
  
  There will be a range of assessment methods to meet the 'thinking hands' brief including tutor assessments.
  Formal practical assessments with RHS assessors will take place twice during the year at KMC.
  There will be a weekly written identification test and assessment practice to help prepare for the formal assessments.
  An externally set, online written tests will take place during the summer term (date to be confirmed by RHS).
  All assessments are mandatory.

Entry Requirements

• Although formal entry qualifications are not requested, confidence in numeracy, literacy and use of IT is essential to enable completion of all assessments.
  Experience in gardening and horticulture to meet the requirements of a professional level course.
  Commitment to attend all sessions.
  

Next Steps

• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (HR064).
  Level 3 Horticulture ( HR221)
  HNC in Horticulture ( HR066)

Career Opportunities

• Professional gardening, employed by an organisation or as a self employed gardener.
  Landscaping.
  Garden retail.
  Plant production.