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Quick question 🌱

What should be the first step in restoring a historic planting?

The options are in the image, with the answer upside down at the bottom.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Plants #RHSLevel2
Quick question: What should be the first step in restoring a historic planting? A: Clear the site of overgrown plants. B: Research the garden's history and records. C: Order new plants of the original types. D: Survey the drainage and irrigation. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer B, Research the garden's history and records.
November 7, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Which feature is typical of a Piet Oudolf planting?

A. Annual bedding replaced twice a year
B. Low box hedges edging every bed
C. Seedheads and grasses left for winter structure
D. Borders planted in a single colour

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Plants #RHSLevel2
Quiz question: Which feature is typical of a Piet Oudolf planting? A: Annual bedding replaced twice a year. B: Low box hedges edging every bed. C: Seedheads and grasses left for winter structure. D: Borders planted in a single colour. Answer: C, Seedheads and grasses left for winter structure. The New Perennial style values form and structure through all seasons, including decay.
November 9, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Command words, decoded 🌱

The details are in the image. Which command word do you find hardest to answer?

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Infographic: Command words, decoded. State or name: a short answer: one mark per correct point. Describe: what it is or what happens, feature by feature. Explain: why or how: each point plus its development. Discuss or evaluate: more than one side, then a reasoned judgement. Read the command word first, then answer that.
November 5, 2026 at 12:02 PM
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Exam tip: Link the structure to its effect.

Q. Explain how rhizomes help a weed to spread.

One mark for the point, one for developing it. Most dropped marks come from stopping after the point.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Exam tip: Link the structure to its effect. Question: Explain how rhizomes help a weed to spread. (2 marks). Point, 1 mark: Rhizomes grow horizontally under the soil, producing new shoots at their nodes, Development, 1 mark: and even small broken pieces can regrow, so digging can spread the weed further.
November 4, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Quick quiz for RHS Level 2 students 🌱

Which feature identifies a monocot?

A. Flower parts in threes
B. Net-like leaf veins
C. Two seed leaves
D. Vascular bundles in a ring

Answer in the second image.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Quiz question: Which feature identifies a monocot? A: Flower parts in threes. B: Net-like leaf veins. C: Two seed leaves. D: Vascular bundles in a ring. Answer: A, Flower parts in threes. Monocots have flower parts in threes, one seed leaf, parallel veins and scattered vascular bundles.
November 2, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Quick question 🌱

In the hierarchy of risk control, where does PPE come?

The options are in the image, with the answer upside down at the bottom.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #RHSLevel2
Quick question: In the hierarchy of risk control, where does PPE come? A: First choice, before any other control. B: Only needed when the public are present. C: Last line of defence, after other controls. D: Optional, as long as staff are trained. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer C, Last line of defence, after other controls.
October 31, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Quick quiz for RHS Level 2 students 🌱

What does the ovary become after fertilisation?

A. The seed
B. The petals
C. The fruit
D. The pollen

Answer in the second image.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Quiz question: What does the ovary become after fertilisation? A: The seed. B: The petals. C: The fruit. D: The pollen. Answer: C, The fruit. The ovary develops into the fruit; the ovules inside become the seeds.
October 26, 2026 at 6:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
A lime-hating shrub on chalky soil has young leaves that are yellow between the veins. Which nutrient is most likely locked up?

A. Nitrogen
B. Iron
C. Potassium
D. Calcium

The answer is upside down at the bottom of the image.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #RHSLevel2
Quick question: A lime-hating shrub on chalky soil has young leaves that are yellow between the veins. Which nutrient is most likely locked up? A: Nitrogen. B: Iron. C: Potassium. D: Calcium. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer B, Iron.
October 24, 2026 at 5:32 PM
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Point + development: how Section B marks work 🌱

The details are in the image. Try it: write a point and development for why we harden off seedlings, in the comments.

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Infographic: Point + development: how Section B marks work. Point: 1 mark: state the fact: "Mulch conserves soil moisture". Development: 1 mark: why, how or so what: "so new shrubs need less watering". Link words: so · because · which means · this allows. Asked for one? Give one: fully developed; extra answers aren't marked. A point without development is half the marks.
October 22, 2026 at 11:02 AM
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Exam tip: Explain how, not just what.

Q. Explain how survey data could be used to improve a garden habitat.

One mark for the point, one for developing it. Most dropped marks come from stopping after the point.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Plants #RHSLevel2
Exam tip: Explain how, not just what. Question: Explain how survey data could be used to improve a garden habitat. (2 marks). Point, 1 mark: A survey shows few pollinators in early spring, Development, 1 mark: so early-flowering plants such as Crocus tommasinianus are added, and a repeat survey checks the result.
October 21, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Quick question 🌱

Why does the Haber–Bosch process contribute to climate change?

The options are in the image, with the answer upside down at the bottom.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #RHSLevel2
Quick question: Why does the Haber–Bosch process contribute to climate change? A: It uses natural gas and a lot of energy, releasing CO₂. B: It releases large amounts of nitrogen gas into the air. C: It uses peat as the main raw material for ammonia. D: It destroys soil microbes that would store carbon. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer A, It uses natural gas and a lot of energy, releasing CO₂.
October 17, 2026 at 5:32 PM
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Exam tip: Protocols: explain the why.

Q. Explain why several samples should be taken when testing soil pH.

One mark for the point, one for developing it. Most dropped marks come from stopping after the point.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #RHSLevel2
Exam tip: Protocols: explain the why. Question: Explain why several samples should be taken when testing soil pH. (2 marks). Point, 1 mark: pH can vary across a site, Development, 1 mark: so mixing several samples gives a result that represents the whole area, not one unusual spot.
October 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Quick quiz for RHS Level 2 students 🌱

Which change most reduces the carbon footprint of a seasonal display?

The options are in the first image, the answer in the second.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Plants #RHSLevel2
Quiz question: Which change most reduces the carbon footprint of a seasonal display? A: Replanting more often so displays stay fresh. B: Hardy annuals sown direct, or long-lived perennials. C: Raising all bedding in heated glasshouses. D: Covering beds with plastic mulch to save water. Answer: B, Hardy annuals sown direct, or long-lived perennials. No heated production, fewer pots and less transport.
October 12, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Quick question 🌱

Why is a root cutting cut straight at the top and slanted at the base?

The options are in the image, with the answer upside down at the bottom.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Quick question: Why is a root cutting cut straight at the top and slanted at the base? A: To make the cutting root more quickly. B: To show which way up to plant it. C: To increase the area that forms roots. D: To stop buds forming at the base. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer B, To show which way up to plant it.
October 10, 2026 at 5:32 PM
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Why RHS Level 2 candidates lose marks 🌱

The details are in the image. Which of these catches you out most?

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Infographic: Why RHS Level 2 candidates lose marks. Writing all they know: instead of answering the question set. Stopping at the point: no development, so half the marks. Common names only: examiners want genus and species. Mixing up close ideas: orthodox vs recalcitrant, growing media vs soil. Knowing where marks go is the first step to keeping them.
October 8, 2026 at 11:02 AM
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Exam tip: Link the adaptation to the task.

Q. Explain why dandelions are hard to control by hand-weeding.

One mark for the point, one for developing it. Most dropped marks come from stopping after the point.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Exam tip: Link the adaptation to the task. Question: Explain why dandelions are hard to control by hand-weeding. (2 marks). Point, 1 mark: Dandelions have a deep tap root that snaps when pulled, Development, 1 mark: and any piece left in the soil can regrow a new plant.
October 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Quick quiz for RHS Level 2 students 🌱

Which gas is released by photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Nitrogen
C. Methane
D. Oxygen

Answer in the second image.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #Gardening #Horticulture #Botany #RHSLevel2
Quiz question: Which gas is released by photosynthesis? A: Carbon dioxide. B: Nitrogen. C: Methane. D: Oxygen. Answer: D, Oxygen. Photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
October 5, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Key point 🌱 Transpiration rate

Up with warmth, low humidity, wind and sunlight; dry soil means the plant can't keep up.

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Key point: Transpiration rate. Up with warmth, low humidity, wind and sunlight; dry soil means the plant can't keep up. From the lesson Water movement and drought.
October 4, 2026 at 7:02 AM
hortpass.co.uk
One full RHS Level 2 lesson from every exam topic, free, with no sign-up. 🌱

Each has a short animated video, quiz questions, flashcards and an exam-style written question with a model answer.

hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
HortPass: One free lesson from every exam topic. 8 full lessons, one from each topic; 2 min animated video in every lesson; Quiz questions with the reason behind each answer; Model answers to exam-style written questions. Free: No sign-up needed, Units 1 and 2. Start now: hortpass.co.uk/free. Independent study resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by the RHS.
October 4, 2026 at 11:02 AM
hortpass.co.uk
Quick question 🌱

Where does most photosynthesis take place in a leaf?

A. Spongy mesophyll
B. Upper epidermis
C. Cuticle
D. Palisade mesophyll

The answer is upside down at the bottom of the image.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Quick question: Where does most photosynthesis take place in a leaf? A: Spongy mesophyll. B: Upper epidermis. C: Cuticle. D: Palisade mesophyll. Printed upside down at the bottom: Answer D, Palisade mesophyll.
October 3, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Putting it right 🌱

1. Research: Plans, paintings, photos, plant lists, archaeology
2. Plan: A conservation management plan: what, and why
3. Remove: Anachronistic plants and features
4. Replace: Period-correct species and cultivars

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Step by step: Putting it right. 1. Research: Plans, paintings, photos, plant lists, archaeology. 2. Plan: A conservation management plan: what, and why. 3. Remove: Anachronistic plants and features. 4. Replace: Period-correct species and cultivars.
October 3, 2026 at 7:02 AM
hortpass.co.uk
Plant names test 🌱 Can you give the botanical name for each of these 3? White clover, Phacelia, Crimson clover.

Have a go before you open the images. Genus with a capital, species lower case.

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Plant names quiz: can you name these 3? White clover, Phacelia, Crimson clover. White clover: Trifolium repens. Fixes nitrogen; also used in lawns and as a green manure. Phacelia: Phacelia tanacetifolia. Doesn't fix nitrogen, but holds nutrients and feeds pollinators. Crimson clover: Trifolium incarnatum. Fast-growing green manure that fixes nitrogen.
October 2, 2026 at 5:32 PM
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Key point 🌱 History (1.4)

Victorian parks (Birkenhead Park, 1847), Arts and Crafts movement, allotments and Dig for Victory, garden cities (Letchworth, 1903).

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Key point: History (1.4). Victorian parks (Birkenhead Park, 1847), Arts and Crafts movement, allotments and Dig for Victory, garden cities (Letchworth, 1903). From the lesson Gardening and wellbeing.
October 2, 2026 at 7:02 AM
hortpass.co.uk
Biological control 🔎

Parasitic wasp: Encarsia formosa
Controls glasshouse whitefly · Lays eggs in whitefly scales.

Free lessons: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Biological control. Controls glasshouse whitefly: Parasitic wasp, Encarsia formosa. Lays eggs in whitefly scales.
October 1, 2026 at 5:32 PM
hortpass.co.uk
Exam tip: Name each level with an example.

Q. Describe a food chain found in a garden.

3 marks, one for each step. Most dropped marks come from leaving a step out.

Free lesson: hortpass.co.uk/free #RHSLevel2 #Horticulture
Exam tip: Name each level with an example. Question: Describe a food chain found in a garden. (3 marks). Mark 1: Producer: rose → Mark 2: primary consumer: aphid → Mark 3: secondary consumer: ladybird.
September 30, 2026 at 5:32 PM