RHS Level 2 Study Guides Units 1 & 2 – Plant Growth and Development

This unofficial course companion is written for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development and covers both Unit 1 and Unit 2. It includes simple explanations of plant science, plant health, biodiversity, and practical horticulture, all organised to match the Royal Horticultural Society’s structure.

The guide follows the RHS syllabus order and is perfect for students learning in a classroom, through distance learning, or working independently at home. It helps you meet the whole level 2 syllabus, including the site-wide outcomes that link knowledge across the qualification. It’s designed for anyone preparing for the RHS Level 2 qualification, including the 2 Certificates in the Principles and the Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

Inside Units 1 & 2

Inside, you’ll explore the principles of plant growth, soils, water movement, biodiversity and ecology in planting choices, early establishment and aftercare, and the role of horticulture in broader society. These topics are linked clearly, so you can see how different parts of the syllabus connect in real growing situations and use that knowledge to answer the more challenging exam questions.

Information is written in a friendly, straightforward style that suits different types of learners. You can study at your own pace, using the book alongside your learning provider, revision notes, distance learning materials, or a tutor. These handy PDFs help you track progress through guided learning hours and build toward course completion without feeling overwhelmed.

This guide to RHS Level 2 includes:

• Full coverage of Unit 1 and Unit 2
• Explanations linked to RHS Level 2 principles and practices of horticulture
• Named plant examples are included where required
• Practice MCQs at key points to check learning
• Support for wider applications like garden design and plant use
• Help with preparing for written tasks and exams online

As the RHS does not publish a single textbook for the RHS Level 2 course, these PDFs fill an important gap. It offers a reliable and supportive way to learn, whether you’re returning to study, new to horticulture, or already working in the field.

Use it to:

• Build confidence in the course content step by step
• Understand the site-wide outcomes that link topics together
• Prepare with familiar MCQ styles
• Progress steadily and gain the qualification

This guide works well as a perfect companion to lectures or as a standalone resource for self-taught study. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone working toward the RHS qualification, making learning easier with a clear structure and strong visual support.