Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) courses

Principles of Horticulture and Practical Horticulture

At Reaseheath we offer a full suite of RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) programmes, both theory and hands on practical courses. These extensive courses cater for a wide range of people, including career changers who are interested in working in the wonderful world of Horticulture.

RHS Level 2 Certificates

This course allows students to develop and reinforce a wide range of practical horticultural skills which are required by the keen amateur or professional gardener. The course is suitable for all enthusiastic gardeners or horticultural students and offers opportunities for employment and further progression onto Level 3.

You can study either the theory or practical courses together or individually. Completion of the two Level 2 theory certificate and one Level 2 practical certificate will lead to the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

Payment information

To enrol onto the RHS level 2 courses you can either pay the full tuition fee prior to starting the course using our online store.

Alternatively, you can pay a non-refundable booking fee of £100 using our online store and the remainder of the balance in instalments. (Please note you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your tuition fees with instructions on how to set up a reoccurring card payment, once your reoccurring card payment has been set up you will receive an email containing your enrolment link)

If you choose to pay in instalments please ensure you pay your non-refundable booking fee by the following dates:

  • RHS Level 2 Practical – 11th September
  • RHS Level 2 Theory  – 11th September

The course consists of two certificates/units which can be taken independently or combined to form the full certificate.

UNIT 1

Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development

This course consists of four units which cover plant classification and function, plant nutrition, properties and management of soils and growing media, understanding pest, disease and weed lifecycles and the principles and practices of plant propagation in horticulture.

The course is mainly theory based and there will also be some selected trips and demonstrations of practical work, so dust down your gardening gloves! There are examinations in February and June which lead to a formal, nationally recognised, qualification.

UNIT 2

This course provides a firm foundation of knowledge to anyone interested in horticulture, as well as providing a route to employment in professional horticulture and supporting career development for those already working in the profession.

You will explore the world of basic surveying and garden design principles, whilst learning about plant selection (including the world of Latin names) and the benefits of greenhouses and other protected environments. Mainly theory and classroom based, there are examinations in February and June which lead to a formal, nationally recognised qualification.

This qualification can be taken on its own or with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development (14 credits), to gain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.

COURSE DETAILS

Course duration

  • 1 academic year

When will I study?

  • Wednesday

How much will it cost?

  • £1200 plus additional exam fees

Dates

  • Wednesday 20th September 2023- June 2024

If you are working in the Horticulture industry you may be eligible for a grant from the Professional Gardeners Trust, these courses are also eligible for a Professional Career Development Loan from the Government. Please see the RHS website for details of loans and bursaries, as well as details on individual courses.

Advanced Learner Loans may be available for RHS Level 3 qualifications. These can be paid in instalments online and further details can be found here.

We reserve the right to cancel any courses for which there is insufficient interest, in which case full refunds will be given.

For more information about the courses please email Amanda.Robinson@reaseheath.ac.uk