Course CodeBHT309Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Why Grow Berries? Berries have experienced a sharp rise in popularity and production mostly due to their high levels of antioxidants. They are easy to preserve for long term use Many berry processed products can provide additional income Learn the most commonly used horticultural principles and practices for growing berries Why Study this course? Different people study this course for different reasons; for example: Students of horticulture wanting to get a solid understanding of berry growing Farmers looking to move into new crops People already working in the berry industry may take this course for professional development: to refresh, update or fill the gaps in their knowledge. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Introduction Review of the system of plant identification Plant Families, Species, Cultivars, Varieties What is a Berry -Botanical Characteristics (Simple fruits, Compound Fruits) Information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs etc.) Which Varieties to Grow Site Selection, How much land Site Characteristics Climate Winter Chilling Requirements Biological Considerations Further Considerations affecting what to Grow Review of Significant Berries including Blackcurrant Blueberry Brambleberry Blackberry Other Rubus species Cranberry Gooseberry Grape Kiwifruit Passionfruit Raspberry Strawberry Lesser Grown Varieties of Berry Plants Alpine Strawberry Cape Gooseberry Elderberry Goji berry Guava Hardy Kiwi Fruit Lignoberry Pepino Tree Tomato Mulberry Production Plan for Berry Cropping Culture Soils Planting Staking Mulching Watering Pest & disease Feeding Pruning Protection from wind, salt, air, etc. Propagation Methods of propagating berries Seed, Cuttings, Layering Aids to Propagation Hardening off Young Plants Propagation of selected varieties Weed Control & Irrigation What is a Weed How Weeds Spread Preventative methods of Control Eliminating growing weeds Identifying Weeds Water Infiltration and Retention Drainage Improving water Infiltration Soil Moisture Classes Measuring Water Available to Plants When to Irrigate Irrigating Berry Crops Harvesting & Marketing Berries When and How to Harvest Understanding Fruit Ripening Harvesting Techniques Post Harvest Treatments Commercial Berry Growing Marketing Berries The Marketing Process Understanding Supply and Demand Cost, Quality and Quantity characteristics in a Crop Farm Layout for Better Management Aims Differentiate between different types of berry fruit cultivars. Determine varieties of berry fruit suitable for growing in a specified locality. Explain the cultural treatment for a range of berry fruits, in specified situations. Determine how to propagate a range of different berry plants. Explain the harvesting of different berry crops. Develop strategies for commercial success in a berry fruit enterprise. What You Will Do Review a wide range of different berry plants: Submit a photo or illustration Cultural details Harvest and post harvest Uses (eg. valuable products). Develop criteria for the selection of suitable berry fruit varieties, to grow in a specified locality. Evaluate the performance of four different berry varieties growing in the learners locality. Determine appropriate varieties of different berries to grow in a specified locality, including: Strawberries Brambles Other berries. Describe an appropriate planting method for each of three specified genera of berry fruits. Illustrate an appropriate pruning methods for each of four different genera of berry fruits, using sequences of drawings, photographs, or video. Determine appropriate irrigation practices for two different, specified berry plantings. Develop feeding programs for a twelve month period, for three different berry crops suited to growing in the learner's locality. Conduct simple soil tests to determine soil characteristics relevant to a proposed berry planting in the learner's locality. Soil tests should include: Soil type Water holding capacity pH Drainage Recommend appropriate soil preparation for the tested soil, in 3.5, prior to planting a specified berry crop. Compare four different weed control practices appropriate for specified berry crops. Develop soil maintenance programs for a twelve month period, on a monthly basis, for three different berry crops. Identify ten different health disorders (e.g. pests and diseases) on berry plants in the learner's locality. Develop a pest and disease control program for a twelve month period, for a specified berry crop. Describe different methods for propagating five specified berry plants, including: Cuttings Runners Division Layering Demonstrate cutting propagation of two different berry species. Produce marketable berry plants representing two different genera, either as bare rooted or container plants. Compare the commercial viability of propagating one specified berry by two alternative propagation techniques. Explain how to determine when five different types of berries are ready for harvest. Describe different methods for harvesting five different types of berries, including: Manual Mechanical Explain the harvesting of five types of berries before they are ripe, and ripening of the berries off the plant. Determine appropriate post-harvest treatments for a specified commercial berry crop. Develop a resource file of thirty items of information relevant to the berry fruit industry, including: Suppliers of berry plants Trade or grower associations Publications Determine criteria which are significant in the commercial success of a specific berry farm, visited by the learner. Explain how a range of five different berries are prepared for the market. Prepare a chart of ten different berry species that lists their shelf life. Evaluate the commercial viability of three different methods of packaging and presenting berries for sale. Compare common marketing strategies for berry fruits, including: Selling at wholesale markets Selling on contract to chain stores Selling to processors Roadside stalls U-pick selling Develop a marketing plan for one specified type of berry fruit. Apply your learning to a commercial farm or more seriously at home There are many berry crops in widespread commercial cultivation. There are many other berries that are not in widespread commercial cultivation however. When selecting varieties to grow in a new location, it is worthwhile to investigate not only the common berries available, but also less common varieties with commercial or dietary potential. WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE? This course is for the enthusiast through to the commercial grower: Start your own berry growing farm Set up a fruit garden in your own backyard or property Commercial growers Berry Farm staff Hobby Gardener Horticulturist HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side - follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE