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Adult Learners > Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

RHS Certificate in Practical Horticulture – Level 2

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Courses Code
QD2HOPHS
Study method
Part Time
Cost
£1200
Location(s)
Rodbaston
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  • Is this course for you?

    This practical horticulture course is designed to develop essential hands-on gardening skills. It is suitable for complete beginners with a strong interest in horticulture, as well as those with some experience who are looking to achieve a formally recognised qualification.

    This is a one‑year, part‑time programme, requiring attendance at college for half a day per week.

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the course tutor directly below:

    Nicola Davies – Horticulture Lecturer

  • Required qualifications

    There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

    Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have a keen interest in gardening and the outdoors.

  • What skills will I develop?

    Throughout this practical course, you will gain the skills and knowledge required to carry out horticultural tasks confidently across a range of settings.

    Topics covered include:

    • Plant Identification
    • Plant Establishment
    • Plant Propagation
    • Plant Health
    • Plant Care
    • Plant Pruning
    • Garden Features
    • Grassed Areas

  • Careers

    You may choose to study the RHS Level 2 Theory course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. This enables you to work towards the full RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

    Completion of the RHS Level 2 qualifications provides a pathway to the RHS Level 3 Practical and RHS Level 3 Theory courses offered at the college.

    Alternatively, you may progress directly into the horticultural industry. A Level 2 qualification is widely regarded as the minimum standard for entry-level roles in professional gardening, landscaping, and plant production, and this course is designed to prepare you for these career routes.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is not a mandatory component of this qualification.

  • English and maths

    Although you will not be required to complete English or maths qualifications as part of this course, a good standard of both is essential. These skills are embedded within all units due to their importance within the horticultural sector.

    Examples of embedded English skills:

    • Identifying pests and diseases
    • Understanding health, safety, and relevant legislation
    • Maintaining written records, particularly for propagation

    Examples of embedded maths skills:

    • Measuring plant spacings
    • Calculating quantities for hedging
    • Determining pruning lengths
    • Calculating turf requirements

    Learners who wish to improve their English or maths can explore the available GCSE and Functional Skills courses for adults at the college here.

  • Other important information

    Learners will need appropriate footwear, such as safety boots and/or steel‑toe‑cap wellingtons. While a specific uniform is not required, gardening gloves and warm, waterproof clothing for winter sessions are essential. All specialist equipment will be provided by the college.

    Course fees can be paid in full or via a payment plan, which includes a deposit followed by instalments.

  • Is this course for you?

    This practical horticulture course is designed to develop essential hands-on gardening skills. It is suitable for complete beginners with a strong interest in horticulture, as well as those with some experience who are looking to achieve a formally recognised qualification.

    This is a one‑year, part‑time programme, requiring attendance at college for half a day per week.

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the course tutor directly below:

    Nicola Davies – Horticulture Lecturer

  • Required qualifications

    There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

    Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have a keen interest in gardening and the outdoors.

  • What skills will I develop?

    Throughout this practical course, you will gain the skills and knowledge required to carry out horticultural tasks confidently across a range of settings.

    Topics covered include:

    • Plant Identification
    • Plant Establishment
    • Plant Propagation
    • Plant Health
    • Plant Care
    • Plant Pruning
    • Garden Features
    • Grassed Areas

  • Careers

    You may choose to study the RHS Level 2 Theory course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. This enables you to work towards the full RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

    Completion of the RHS Level 2 qualifications provides a pathway to the RHS Level 3 Practical and RHS Level 3 Theory courses offered at the college.

    Alternatively, you may progress directly into the horticultural industry. A Level 2 qualification is widely regarded as the minimum standard for entry-level roles in professional gardening, landscaping, and plant production, and this course is designed to prepare you for these career routes.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is not a mandatory component of this qualification.

  • English and maths

    Although you will not be required to complete English or maths qualifications as part of this course, a good standard of both is essential. These skills are embedded within all units due to their importance within the horticultural sector.

    Examples of embedded English skills:

    • Identifying pests and diseases
    • Understanding health, safety, and relevant legislation
    • Maintaining written records, particularly for propagation

    Examples of embedded maths skills:

    • Measuring plant spacings
    • Calculating quantities for hedging
    • Determining pruning lengths
    • Calculating turf requirements

    Learners who wish to improve their English or maths can explore the available GCSE and Functional Skills courses for adults at the college here.

  • Other important information

    Learners will need appropriate footwear, such as safety boots and/or steel‑toe‑cap wellingtons. While a specific uniform is not required, gardening gloves and warm, waterproof clothing for winter sessions are essential. All specialist equipment will be provided by the college.

    Course fees can be paid in full or via a payment plan, which includes a deposit followed by instalments.

Testimonials

“After losing my husband I decided to take the course. I was welcomed by the other students, and it has rebuilt me. I gained a Distinction and was honoured to receive the Student of the Year award. The college, my tutor, and my fellow students have all been amazing and supportive, and I can't recommend the course highly enough. Informative, pleasurable, and in my case a life saver.”

Angela Bourne

Level 2 RHS Practical Student

“My week just doesn’t feel right without starting it with college! Just want to say a huge thank you for being such an amazing teacher! Your caring, relaxed nature carried us all through the course and certainly helped me to not stress too much! You are a plant genius, and if I’m half as good as you one day, that would be an achievement in my eyes! Hope our paths cross again in the future.”

Niamh Pike

Level 2 RHS Practical Student

Apply for a course

  • RHS Practical Level 2 AM (FC)

    Rodbaston College

    Start Date: 1st September 2026

    Code: QRD2HOPHS

    Cost: £1200

    Part Time: 34 Weeks

    Apply
  • RHS Practical Level 2 PM (FC)

    Rodbaston College

    Start Date: 1st September 2026

    Code: QRD2HOPHS-1

    Cost: £1200

    Part Time: 34 Weeks

    Apply
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