I have RHS General Certificate in Horticulture and asked RHS what I could take that would not duplicate areas already covered. They do recommend taking Level 2 Practical first and then going on to 3 as this area was not covered in the Certificate. My localish College in Bedford runs Level 3 Practical for £960 and Level 2 for £396. However, for me the problem is only Level 2 runs on a Saturday. Level 3 seems to be run everywhere in the working day. Perhaps I should look for some fun short courses instead!
I studied 2 courses with the HCC - 'Beyond the Basics' and the RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development. When I studied with them, Oliver Menhinick was the principle and my own tutor. He was absolutely brilliant - critical, in a constructive way and the advice that he gave me was some of the best that I've ever had.
Sadly, part way through the RHS course, he was killed in a car accident.
I didn't feel like studying for a while, as he had become a good friend, but eventually I did and Mike Farr, Director of Studies at the HCC, took over as my tutor.
He was very helpful - whatever I asked, nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he had a genuine interest in what I was doing, both in the way of studies and in my own garden.
The only fault I can say I had with the HCC (if indeed it can be called a fault) was that the study notes were perhaps too informative and led me off of the required syllabus to more interesting areas!
In some instances, some more up-to-date information would have been better.
However, things look to have modernised a bit with the HCC now and Mike Farr is still Director of Studies, despite the fact that it was taken over by another organisation after Mr Menhinick's accident.
My only difficulty was in sitting the exams, as none of the local colleges accepted external candidates.
(They do in most parts of the UK, just not my part!)
By the time I had found a college willing to take me under Exceptional Supervision, the RHS syllabus had changed.
So I taught myself, using the syllabus, some books and the internet (the RHS past papers on the internet are invaluable).
I sat the exams this February, which were actually great fun and I was over the moon to get a pass with commendation in all 4 units.
So, I feel confident in recommending the HCC, or why not have a go a teaching yourself?
I'd be more than willing to help, whatever option you choose.
I still have most of my study material saved on my computer, so it would be no problem to send if you would like it.
Thanks for the topic.. I was researching RHS cert courses and came across this chat which is great. I had looked at 2-3 distance learning sites and just left the HCC one which seems the best deal as you can pay monthly. But now, having read this post, I am seriously considering doing it myself but not sure how /where to start and structure my learning time?
I have just got the "Principles of Horticulture" (Adams / Early) and Pests and Diseases (RHS) from the library.
Which qualification do you intend to study towards?
At Level 2, there are 2 separate theory certificates - RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant, Growth, Propagation & Development and RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment & Maintenance.
If you have both of these certificates, you are awarded the RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Horticulture.
I wouldn't advise studying for Level 3 without studying for Level 2 first, as Level 3 assumes a Level 2 knowledge.
If you're teaching yourself, the first thing that you need to do is get a copy of the Qualification Specification (syllabus) for your chosen qualification. You can either download this as a PDF file from the RHS website or write to the RHS Qualifications department and they will send you a paper copy free of charge.
Work through the Qualification Specification line by line and gather the information that you will need.
Past papers for the qualifications are available free to download as PDF files on the RHS website or are available as paper copies for £2 each.
The examiner's comments on the past papers are very valuable and should be noted carefully.
Excellent sources for research are:
''Principles of Horticulture' (Adams/Early) - make sure you have the most up-to-date copy.
''RHS Botany for Gardeners'
The RHS website and the internet in general (just make sure that you only use information from reputable, trusted sources).
Keep up to date with pesticide active ingredients/regulations and horticultural legislation.
Write down the 'answers' to each line of the Qualification Specification in a notebook or better still, the pages of a refill pad, organised into folders, so that you can easily find the topic that you're looking for.
I find that if I write out information a couple of times, I can easily commit it to memory.
When you're teaching yourself at home it's easy to get distracted, so set aside some special time for study and don't let anything distract you from your purpose.
I usually have some music playing in the background, which helps to keep me focussed on the task at hand and the length of an average CD is about the right length of time to study for at a time. Studying for great lengths at a time just results in a hazy brain!
Stay hydrated, eat properly and keep sensible hours - it's easy to forget about drinking, eating and sleeping when you get into studying, but all are just as important as the information that you are studying.
If it's the Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development that you choose to study, I can send you pretty much all the study material you'll need, if you want.
Hope your great and getting into the Christmas spirits !
Sorry to hear about your past tutor/friend, Mr. Menhinick but I am happy that you manage to turn it around and passed the exams
I hope I can get some knowledge and advice from you, I am an enthusiastic gardener who fell into it by chance this year 6 months ago when I decided to volunteer at my local garden center and loved it ! since then I have been there regular and I decided to study RHS Level 2 Horticulture.
I have decided to study on my own, as I have studied Biology in A-Level standard as well as I am always learning practicals/principles from the gardener at the Garden Center, however it be great if you can give me some advice on:
1) How do you register to take tests externally ?
2) How much roughly was the external cost for the Level 2 exams ?
3) Are there good websites that you know where I can find Gardening jobs/apprenticeships ?
Is it possible you can send me the study material. I would really appreciate it.
Lastly how does it feel great to be a qualifies gardener ?
I just wanted to say thank you to the people who have posted their experiences and advice on this thread. I decided to purchase one key textbook and borrow the others from the library. It's giving me a great understanding of horticulture and I'm throughly enjoying my new hobby. Learning 'right first time' and understanding the key principles will set me on the right track, whatever that may be! Oh and I got some great advice from the RHS direct too. Thanks again!
Firstly many thanks for all forum users as I found useful information regarding RHS qualification.
I am thinking to gain some qualification in horticulture and as other members i thought to go straight onto level 3. Not so sure now. I have not had any qualification related to gardening in the past apart doing it as a hobby and voluntary work. I have just finished reading HCC for level3 study notes-lesson 2 (root environment, plant nutrition and growing systems) and must admit it is hard to learn.
Would you say is it enough learning material to pass the exam?
Noticed that the last chat date was last year but hope members still can help me. Any learning material including level2 would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to learn on my own in spare time.
Posts
I have RHS General Certificate in Horticulture and asked RHS what I could take that would not duplicate areas already covered. They do recommend taking Level 2 Practical first and then going on to 3 as this area was not covered in the Certificate. My localish College in Bedford runs Level 3 Practical for £960 and Level 2 for £396. However, for me the problem is only Level 2 runs on a Saturday. Level 3 seems to be run everywhere in the working day. Perhaps I should look for some fun short courses instead!
Hi, very useful comments here! I am planning to do distance learning for level 2 and I am between BEST and the Horticultural Correspondence College.
Any opinions on them? which one is best?
Hi Candice,
I studied 2 courses with the HCC - 'Beyond the Basics' and the RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development. When I studied with them, Oliver Menhinick was the principle and my own tutor. He was absolutely brilliant - critical, in a constructive way and the advice that he gave me was some of the best that I've ever had.
Sadly, part way through the RHS course, he was killed in a car accident.
I didn't feel like studying for a while, as he had become a good friend, but eventually I did and Mike Farr, Director of Studies at the HCC, took over as my tutor.
He was very helpful - whatever I asked, nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he had a genuine interest in what I was doing, both in the way of studies and in my own garden.
The only fault I can say I had with the HCC (if indeed it can be called a fault) was that the study notes were perhaps too informative and led me off of the required syllabus to more interesting areas!
In some instances, some more up-to-date information would have been better.
However, things look to have modernised a bit with the HCC now and Mike Farr is still Director of Studies, despite the fact that it was taken over by another organisation after Mr Menhinick's accident.
My only difficulty was in sitting the exams, as none of the local colleges accepted external candidates.
(They do in most parts of the UK, just not my part!)
By the time I had found a college willing to take me under Exceptional Supervision, the RHS syllabus had changed.
So I taught myself, using the syllabus, some books and the internet (the RHS past papers on the internet are invaluable).
I sat the exams this February, which were actually great fun and I was over the moon to get a pass with commendation in all 4 units.
So, I feel confident in recommending the HCC, or why not have a go a teaching yourself?
I'd be more than willing to help, whatever option you choose.
I still have most of my study material saved on my computer, so it would be no problem to send if you would like it.
I hope this helps and good luck!
pbff
Thanks for the topic.. I was researching RHS cert courses and came across this chat which is great. I had looked at 2-3 distance learning sites and just left the HCC one which seems the best deal as you can pay monthly. But now, having read this post, I am seriously considering doing it myself but not sure how /where to start and structure my learning time?
I have just got the "Principles of Horticulture" (Adams / Early) and Pests and Diseases (RHS) from the library.
Last edited: 09 October 2016 13:05:10
Hi Handygardener,
Which qualification do you intend to study towards?
At Level 2, there are 2 separate theory certificates - RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant, Growth, Propagation & Development and RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment & Maintenance.
If you have both of these certificates, you are awarded the RHS Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Horticulture.
I wouldn't advise studying for Level 3 without studying for Level 2 first, as Level 3 assumes a Level 2 knowledge.
If you're teaching yourself, the first thing that you need to do is get a copy of the Qualification Specification (syllabus) for your chosen qualification. You can either download this as a PDF file from the RHS website or write to the RHS Qualifications department and they will send you a paper copy free of charge.
Work through the Qualification Specification line by line and gather the information that you will need.
Past papers for the qualifications are available free to download as PDF files on the RHS website or are available as paper copies for £2 each.
The examiner's comments on the past papers are very valuable and should be noted carefully.
Excellent sources for research are:
''Principles of Horticulture' (Adams/Early) - make sure you have the most up-to-date copy.
''RHS Botany for Gardeners'
The RHS website and the internet in general (just make sure that you only use information from reputable, trusted sources).
Keep up to date with pesticide active ingredients/regulations and horticultural legislation.
Write down the 'answers' to each line of the Qualification Specification in a notebook or better still, the pages of a refill pad, organised into folders, so that you can easily find the topic that you're looking for.
I find that if I write out information a couple of times, I can easily commit it to memory.
When you're teaching yourself at home it's easy to get distracted, so set aside some special time for study and don't let anything distract you from your purpose.
I usually have some music playing in the background, which helps to keep me focussed on the task at hand and the length of an average CD is about the right length of time to study for at a time. Studying for great lengths at a time just results in a hazy brain!
Stay hydrated, eat properly and keep sensible hours - it's easy to forget about drinking, eating and sleeping when you get into studying, but all are just as important as the information that you are studying.
If it's the Level 2 Cert. in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development that you choose to study, I can send you pretty much all the study material you'll need, if you want.
Good luck!
pbff
Hi pbff !
Hope your great and getting into the Christmas spirits !
Sorry to hear about your past tutor/friend, Mr. Menhinick but I am happy that you manage to turn it around and passed the exams
I hope I can get some knowledge and advice from you, I am an enthusiastic gardener who fell into it by chance this year 6 months ago when I decided to volunteer at my local garden center and loved it ! since then I have been there regular and I decided to study RHS Level 2 Horticulture.
I have decided to study on my own, as I have studied Biology in A-Level standard as well as I am always learning practicals/principles from the gardener at the Garden Center, however it be great if you can give me some advice on:
1) How do you register to take tests externally ?
2) How much roughly was the external cost for the Level 2 exams ?
3) Are there good websites that you know where I can find Gardening jobs/apprenticeships ?
Is it possible you can send me the study material. I would really appreciate it.
Lastly how does it feel great to be a qualifies gardener ?
Thank you & Merry Christmas !
Anu
[email protected]
I just wanted to say thank you to the people who have posted their experiences and advice on this thread. I decided to purchase one key textbook and borrow the others from the library. It's giving me a great understanding of horticulture and I'm throughly enjoying my new hobby. Learning 'right first time' and understanding the key principles will set me on the right track, whatever that may be! Oh and I got some great advice from the RHS direct too. Thanks again!
Hi all,
Firstly many thanks for all forum users as I found useful information regarding RHS qualification.
I am thinking to gain some qualification in horticulture and as other members i thought to go straight onto level 3. Not so sure now. I have not had any qualification related to gardening in the past apart doing it as a hobby and voluntary work. I have just finished reading HCC for level3 study notes-lesson 2 (root environment, plant nutrition and growing systems) and must admit it is hard to learn.
Would you say is it enough learning material to pass the exam?
Noticed that the last chat date was last year but hope members still can help me. Any learning material including level2 would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to learn on my own in spare time.
Many thanks
Daiva