Certificate in Horticulture

A PREMIUM HORTICULTURE CERTIFICATE

This is a career-focused programme that combines core horticulture courses with specialised stream study in a subject of your choosing. The goal of the course is to lay the groundwork for a long-term career in horticulture by enhancing your capacity for plant identification, your understanding of fundamental horticultural principles and practises, your practical proficiency in plant propagation, growth, and care, and your capacity for flexibility.

 

 

CONTENT
Some things are covered by this certificate:

Core studies, or the first half of the course, take up about 350 hours spread across 15 lectures. These studies must be finished by all students.

350 hours are devoted to elective studies, which include stream study in any of the following areas:

• Organic Plant Growing
• Permaculture
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Grounds Management
• Turf
• Nature Park Management
• Arboriculture
• Plant Protection
• Propagation
• Landscaping & Garden Design
• Crops
• Viticulture
• Cut Flower Growing
• Horticultural Technology
• Herbs

 

Note: The streams below are summarised briefly for your convenience. Student Comment for ACS “Certainly, the course is a worthwhile educational opportunity. The readings are insightful, the tasks are useful, and the feedback is excellent. The assignments are difficult for me and require a lot of work to do properly, which is fantastic. Overall, I’m having a great time learning.” Australia’s Penelope Parsons is pursuing a certificate in horticulture.

Why did you pick this course?

• Worldwide Recognition
• high calibre instructors (Industry leaders, distinguished gardening authors, accomplished academics, practising professionals, etc)
• greater options and flexibility (When, where & what you study)
• Unlimited one-on-one tutoring sessions
• Compared to many other universities or courses, there is a stronger emphasis on science and plant identification.
• Less emphasis on assessment and more on learning
• Excellent performance history—graduates actually succeed and land jobs!
• We are a Moral and Environmental College.

 

KEY UNITS

All of these fundamental units must be finished and passed by students.
1. Plant Introduction 40 hours minimum of teaching

This study area’s goals are to teach the binomial system of plant categorization and show how to recognise different plant species by their leaves and blossoms using botanical descriptions.

Objectives

• Identify the relevant physical characteristics that flowering ornamental plants have.
• Showcase the proper use of the recommended reference materials and other tools to acquire pertinent knowledge.
• Draw, label, and dissect two distinct flowers.
• Gather and catalogue the various leaf forms.
• How to distinguish between a family, genus, species, variety, and cultivar should be demonstrated.

Plant Culture

2. 60 hours minimum of teaching

This study area’s goal is to show students how to take good care of plants while taking watering, planting, and trimming into account in order to sustain their growth and health.

Objectives

• Explain the various plant pruning techniques.
• Show by example how to cut wood at the proper angle and stem section.
• Provide steps for planting a plant.
• List the comparative benefits and drawbacks of the various irrigation devices, sprinklers, pumps, and turf systems that are available to show that you are knowledgeable of your options.
• Show that you are capable of choosing a suitable irrigation system for a garden and justifying your choice.
• Provide an explanation of water pressure, flow rate, and how to calculate each.
• Describe why gardening tools and equipment need to be maintained on a regular basis.
• List the variables that should be taken into account while contrasting different types of lawn management equipment.

3. Plant Nutrition and Soils 50 hours minimum of teaching

Students will learn how to identify, deal with, and enhance the soil quality and potting mixes as well as how to evaluate fertilisers for use in landscaping projects in order to maximise plant growth.

Objectives

• Explain the texture, structure, and capacity for retaining water and nutrients of the various types of soil usually used in plant culture.
• Explain techniques for enhancing soil aeration, drainage, water holding capacity, and soil structure.
• List the components that are necessary for plant growth.
• Determine the main nutrient deficits that affect ornamental plants and provide remedies.
• Explain the role that soil pH plays in plant feeding.
• Explain the mechanism of salting and how to reduce its impact.
• Easily affordable experiments should be run on three different potting mixtures, and results should be
• reported.
• Explain the best soil combinations for growing five distinct plant species in containers.
• List a variety of fertilisers, both natural and man-made.
• Explain five scenarios for using fertiliser regimens with ornamental plants.

4. Preliminary Propagation a minimum of 40 hours

This study area’s goal is to increase students’ comprehension of propagation methods, with a focus on cuttings and seeds in particular. There is also an explanation of other business practises like grafting and budding.

Objectives

• Show how to grow three (3) plants from seed and six (6) different plants from cuttings.
• Build a straightforward, low-cost cold frame.
• Create a propagation medium that can be used for both seed and cutting propagation, then use it.
• Explain the procedure and season used to propagate the various plant kinds.
• Explain and show how to prepare for and carry out a number of grafts, as well as one budding procedure.
• Why are budding or grafting occasionally favoured means of propagation?

5. Plant Identification and Usage 60 hours minimum of teaching

The goal of this study topic is to broaden students’ knowledge of plants, their usage in landscaping and aesthetic gardens, and their understanding of the many optimum and preferred growing environments for various plants.

Objectives

• Choose plants that can thrive in various climates.
• Choose plants that will work well as windbreaks, features, sources of shade, and for other aesthetic purposes.
• Sort your priorities according to how they affect the plants you choose for your decorative garden.
• Describe the variations in how plants behave in various microclimates within the same location.
• The uses of plants should be listed and discussed.

6. Weeds, illnesses, and pests 50 hours minimum of teaching

The goal of this study area is to help students become more adept in recognising, describing, and controlling a wide range of pests, diseases, and weeds that affect ornamental plants as well as describing safety precautions while using agricultural chemicals.

Objectives

• Describe the fundamentals of weed, disease, and pest control in general, as well as the ecological (biological) approach to such control.
• Describe the idea of host-pathogen-environment.
• Explain several pesticides in terms of their active ingredients, application techniques, rates, and safety precautions for controlling pests, diseases, and weeds on ornamental plants.
• Take pictures of or prepare specimens of at least five insect pests of ornamental plants, identify them, and suggest management strategies.
• Three non-insect ornamental plant health issues (such as fungal, viral, and bacterial) should be documented, sketched, or sampled, and control measures should be suggested.
• Explain the main ways that diseases (fungal, viral, bacterial, and nematode) impact grass, the characteristics of their life cycles that make them a critical issue for turf culture, and the available techniques for their control.
• Determine, explain, and provide a solution for three distinct weed issues.
• Gather, press, mount, and identify ten distinct weeds. Then, suggest both chemical and non-chemical treatments that could be used to control each one.
• List and contrast the relative benefits and drawbacks of several weed management techniques.

Lesson Structure

There are 30 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Plants
2. Parts of the Plant
3. Plant Culture – Planting
4. Plant Culture – Pruning
5. Plant Culture – Irrigation and Machinery
6. Soils & Media
7. Soils & Nutrition
8. Propagation – Seeds & Cuttings
9. Propagation – Other Techniques
10. Identification and Use of Plants – Landscape Application
11. Identification and Use of Plants – Problem Situations
12. Identification and Use of Plants – Indoor and Tropical Plants
13. Pests
14. Diseases
15. Weeds
16. Stream Lesson -from this point the next 15 lessons may vary according to the stream you elect to follow.
17. Stream Lesson
18. Stream Lesson
19. Stream Lesson
20. Stream Lesson
21. Stream Lesson
22. Stream Lesson
23. Stream Lesson
24. Stream Lesson
25. Stream Lesson
26. Stream Lesson
27. Stream Lesson
28. Stream Lesson
29. Stream Lesson
30. Stream Lesson

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

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STREAMS

(some of the possibilities only -choose one)

Garden & Landscape Design Stream

Developing skills and knowledge in landscape design, building, features, and landscape business management is the goal of the stream studies. This stream’s objectives are:

• Examine the development of gardens over time.
• Gather planning information, then make plans using that knowledge.
• Describe the various guiding concepts and types of landscape architecture.
• Examine garden design plans.
• Improve your graphic design abilities and your understanding of drawing mediums and methods.
• Make cost projections for a landscaping project.
• Explain the impacts of different surfacing materials.
• Describe the price and quality of the various landscape materials.
• Learn about plants, both indigenous and foreign, that can withstand the climate where you live.
• Choose plants that will thrive in challenging environments.
• Identify the benefits and drawbacks of different pipes, sprinklers, and pumping equipment.
• Provide irrigation system recommendations for various landscape scenarios.
• Make a straightforward irrigation system.
• Create a bush garden, emphasising the importance of using native plants.
• Evaluate a cottage garden design and provide a report.
• Examine a playground design and provide a report.
• For a school or public park, create a playground design.
• Create floor layouts for various gardens.
• Do a thorough site survey, create a detailed plan based on the results, calculate expenses, and create
• contract papers for the project.
• Describe the methods of soil preparation and earthworks used in landscaping.
• Provide some alternatives for starting and growing plants.
• Describe a variety of landscape construction methods, such as paving, drainage, walks, water gardens, rockeries, fences, and walls.
• Examine the quality, price, availability, and use of various landscape materials in the creation of gardens.
• Explain the required steps for both the safe and proper removal of a tree branch and for the felling of trees.
• Create a thorough garden maintenance schedule.
• Show that you know how to get ready for and plant a new grass.
• Describe the process for creating turf on a steep slope.
• Create a commercial for a landscaping company.
• Describe fundamental management practises.
• Display adequate communication skills.
• Describe the conditions for health and safety at a landscaping site.

Stream of Ornamental Horticulture

The four main topics covered in this course are landscaping, plant knowledge, plant care, and nursery practises.

The entire scope of this stream is as follows:

• designing a landscape (including pre-planning and drawing plans).
• the fundamentals and types of landscape design.
• evaluation of garden layouts.
• graphic design abilities, tools, and methods.
• calculating the costs of landscape projects.
• Materials that are exposed and their effects.
• Cost and quality of various landscaping materials.
• understanding of appropriate plants, both local and foreign, for the environment.
• Plant selection for challenging environments and places (including treating degraded sites and interior plantscaping).
• Indoor and tropical plants.
• Environmental aspects are crucial for growing plants inside.
• annuals, perennials, and bulbs.
• planting patterns for flowerbeds that are appropriate for the student’s neighbourhood (include annuals and bulbs).
• Designing a garden with herbs.
• a variety of growing methods, such as hydroponics, bonsai, terrariums, pot culture, and baskets.
• Explain why trees are so important to people.
• procedures for the correct and secure removal of a tree limb.
• tree issues and how to fix them.
• The impact of compartmentalization on the transmission of disease in trees
• creating a thorough garden upkeep schedule.
• choosing, storing, preparing, and distributing seeds (sowing).
• laying out, planting, and establishing a grass.
• turf establishment on an incline.
• upkeep procedures for turf.
• examination of nursery production methods.
• creating a flowchart for a certain plant’s production, from propagation through marketing.
• creating a maintenance schedule for a garden center’s green lifestyle.
• drafting policies for a nursery’s disposal of excess or subpar stock.
• Create a marketing piece for a nursery or gardening service.
• For a one-man nursery or garden maintenance business, basic management practises.
  simple communication abilities.
• criteria for workplace health and safety in a nursery or garden maintenance setting.

Turf Management Stream

This part of the course involves the following four areas of study
Turf Culture, Engineering and Irrigation, Management, Landscaping Scope:

• List and explain the circumstances in which turf is employed.
• Explain the roots, stems, and leaves of turf plant species.
• Describe the functions of the roots, stems, and leaves, as well as any variations that may exist in these components.
• To choose types for diverse applications, consider the cutting impacts and recuperative potential of various turf plants.
• Describe the variations in turf and their differences.
• Provide both a scientific and non-scientific explanation of plant development.
• Explain how turf plants are affected by day length, temperature, moisture, and light.
• Describe the effects of different watering and mowing methods on lawn.
• Explain the various techniques for preparing a space for the planting of turf.
• Explain how to construct turf, taking timing into account.
• Name and describe the machinery and tools used in the establishment and upkeep of turf.
• Indicate whether a turf area needs renovation and detail several renovation techniques.
• Explain the strategies used to control common weeds and how they are spread.
• Prepare, identify, and send a collection of noteworthy weeds to turf culture.
• Explain the effects of pests and diseases on turf and the current techniques for preventing them.
• Indicate the chemical group, application techniques, rates, and timing of horticulture chemicals.
• Take pictures of the specimens or produce pressed ones, then list several turf varieties.
• Describe soil moisture, hydraulics, and other water management principles.
• Examine a multi-stage irrigation system’s operation and programming.
• Create a straightforward irrigation system and describe how it works.
• Describe how various engine types operate and are maintained.
• Think about renting versus buying a variety of various pieces of machinery.
• Describe the functions of the various turf culture tools and equipment accessible.
• For a variety of lawn care activities, choose the proper tools and equipment.
• Provide advice on how to maintain and store tools and equipment.
• Plan and draught documents that explain your intentions clearly, such as reports, articles, and letters.
• List the communication abilities required for efficient staff training and work scheduling.
  Create a work schedule for at least two turf management situations per year.
• Create floor designs for a few chosen plants in various garden settings.
• Create a garden with a variety of plants that will bloom all year round.
• Create a cost estimate and bill of materials for a landscape development.
• Explain how to build various landscape features, such as retaining walls, fences, pergolas, water features, walks, and paved areas.
• Explain the excavation, shaping, and cultivation of a landscape site.
• Explain the forces at play when water is present in the soil and how they affect drainage.
• Explain the methods for establishing drainage system levels and for their installation.
• Review erosion prevention techniques (eg. mulching, terracing, retaining walls).
• Explain the specifics of the various sports facilities’ construction.
• Determine the procedures required to reduce wear and tear on various sporting facilities.
• Explain the specifics of each green’s construction.
• In the turf industry, describe the workplace health and safety procedures.

 

Stream of Plant Propagation
The learner will gain knowledge of several plant propagation techniques for use in small-scale or nursery enterprises.

Scope:

• Get seed from and use it to propagate various plant kinds.
• Explain how and when at least 200 different plant kinds were propagated.
• Sketch the components of a seed and label them.
• Provide an explanation of the early growth and germination processes of a seed.
• Describe various seed harvesting and post-harvesting procedures.
• Describe various seed pre-germination techniques.
• Prepare cuttings for at least 50 different plant species by gathering, identifying, and classifying them.
• successfully propagate from cuttings and develop 10 distinct plant species into a marketable tube.
• Create and use a propagation medium appropriate for cutting and seed propagation.
• Describe why specific propagation techniques are preferable over alternative techniques.
• Describe the process of grafting or budding for at least 40 different plant species.
• Provide at least ten distinct graft types as examples.
• At least ten different plant variety combinations must be used to complete at least ten grafts successfully.
• fifteen different plants should be propagated through techniques such layering, division, and separation.
• Describe tissue culture techniques and how they are commercially relevant to the production of plants.
• Take into account site characteristics that are crucial to a nursery’s operation.
• Describe the various nursery production methods.
• Build a straightforward, low-cost cold frame.
• Create a schedule for routine plant maintenance in a production nursery.
• Report and analyse the performance of two distinct production nurseries.
• Make a floor plan for the propagation/potting area’s interior design.
• Provide instructions on how to prepare and plant at least 20 different kinds of plants in pots.
• Explain the texture, structure, and capability for retaining water and nutrients of soils and potting medium.
• Specify ways to enhance soil aeration, drainage, water holding capacity, and soil structure.
• Explain the successful techniques for container plant growth.
• Explain the best potting mixtures for growing five different species of plants in containers.
• List the safety precautions that should be taken in a nursery.
• Demonstrate knowledge of irrigation machinery and how it works in a nursery.
• Describe the growing structures and tools, such as hot beds, misting, fogging, cold frames, and greenhouses, that are used to improve plant propagation.

NOTE: THESE ARE ONLY SOME OF THE STREAM STUDY OPTIONS!

Additional alternatives for streams include:

PERMACULTURE

BUILDING MANAGEMENT

ARBORICULTURE

VITICULTURE

AGRICOLA TECHNOLOGY

also more

EXAMS

For the core, there are two tests.

Depending on the stream you choose, there are either an additional 2 or 3 tests.

Would you like a job in the horticulture sector?

• Grounds Management
• Arboriculture
• Organic Plant Culture
• Permaculture
• Viticulture
• Herbs
• Horticultural Technology
• Horticultural Science
• Learn to grow plants, establish and maintain gardens and grow horticultural produce
• Start your own business
• Seek work with a parks department, nursery, golf course, farm or landscaping company

 

HOW TO START A CAREER IN HORTICULTURE

 

Taking accelerated or brief courses won’t make you a competent horticulture. It takes time to study correctly and ingrain knowledge into your brain; it also takes a carefully designed learning environment supported by qualified and experienced teachers. It takes years to develop your plant knowledge to the point where you can recognise and grow the majority of the many varieties of plants you come across. This is because there are tens of thousands of different plants that are grown. Even the best plan of action has its limits!

Nevertheless, if your foundation is strong, you’ll have a foundation upon which to build. After you graduate, your learning will automatically broaden as a result of experience, and it will likely be quicker, simpler, and more useful.

We provide you with the framework and foundation needed to advance your career and give it a push.

What Help Can You Get from This Course?

The best course for those who want to work in horticulture is this one. It gives students a strong foundation in horticultural principles and practises via the core studies, and it enables them to build specialised knowledge in the branch of horticulture that most interests them through the stream studies. It strikes a balance between lower-level subjects and higher-level studies while still giving graduates enough depth to appeal to employers. Those who are interested in working in any of a number of horticultural occupations, such as:

What should you research?
Let us assist you in choosing what is best for you!

In our experience, it is advisable to get in touch with someone before they enrol. We can help you design a plan of action that will give you the best chance of succeeding if we are aware of your interests, skills, and ambitions.