Course CodeVHT002Fee CodeCTDuration (approx)700 hoursQualificationCertificate Learn to identify and grow plants on farms, in gardens, or in plant nurseries. Grow healthier produce Create healthier environments Discover how to grow organically Course Structure The Core Units comprise fifteen modules that are divided into the following sections: CORE UNITS Introduction to Plants Plant Culture Sols and Nutrition Plant Identification and Use Pests, Diseases and Weeds Students must complete and pass all of these core units. STREAM STUDIES The Organic Plant Growing Stream is divided into the following:- Organic Plant Culture Plus 2 of the Following Modules: Commercial Organic Vegetable growing Organic Farming Permaculture Systems Berry Production Mushroom Production Fruit Production What Do the Core Units Cover? Introduction to Plants (40 hours) The purpose of this study area is to explain the binomial system of plant classification and demonstrate identification of plant species through the ability of using botanical descriptions for leaf shapes and flowers. Aims Describe the relevant identifying physical features of flowering ornamental plants. Demonstrate how to use prescribed reference books and other resources to gain relevant information. Dissect, draw and label two different flowers. Collect and identify the shapes of different leaves. Demonstrate how to identify between family, genus, species, variety and cultivar. Plant Culture (60 hours) The purpose of this study area is to demonstrate the ability to care for plants so as to maintain optimum growth and health while considering pruning, planting, and irrigation. Aims Describe how to prune different plants. Demonstrate how to cut a plant stem correctly, on the correct angle and section of the stem. Describe how to plant a plant. Demonstrate an awareness of different irrigation equipment, sprinklers, pumps and turf systems available by listing their comparative advantages and disadvantages. Demonstrate competence in selecting an appropriate irrigation system for a garden, explaining why that system would be preferred. Define water pressure and flow rate and how to calculate each. Explain the need for regular maintenance of garden tools and equipment. List factors that should be considered when comparing types of machinery for use in garden maintenance. Soils and Plant Nutrition (50 hours) The purpose of this study area is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to identify, work with, and improve the soil condition and potting mixes, and to evaluate fertilisers for use in landscape jobs to maximize plant growth. Aims Describe the soil types commonly found in plant culture in terms of texture, structure and water-holding and nutrient holding capacity. Describe methods of improving soil structure, infiltration rate, water holding capacity, drainage and aeration. List the elements essential for plant growth. Diagnose the major nutrient deficiencies that occur in ornamental plants and prescribe treatment practices. Describe soil pH and its importance in plant nutrition. Describe the process by which salting occurs and how to minimise its effect. Conduct simple inexpensive tests on three different potting mixes and report accordingly. Describe suitable soil mixes for container growing of five different types of plants. List a range of both natural and artificial fertilizers. Describe fertilizer programs to be used in five different situations with ornamental plants. Introductory Propagation (40 hours duration) The purpose of this study area is to improve the student's understanding of propagation techniques with particular emphasis on cuttings and seeds. Other industry techniques such as grafting and budding are also explained. Aims Demonstrate propagation of six (6) different plants by cuttings and three from seed. Construct a simple inexpensive cold frame. Mix and use a propagation media suited to propagating both seed and cuttings. Describe the method and time of year used to propagate different plant varieties. Describe and demonstrate the steps in preparing and executing a variety of grafts and one budding technique. Explain the reasons why budding or grafting are sometimes preferred propagation methods. Identification and Use of Plants (60 hours) The purpose of this study area is to improve the student's range of plant knowledge and the plant use in landscaping and the ornamental garden, and the appreciation of the different optimum and preferred growing conditions for different plants. Aims Select plants appropriate for growing in different climates. Select plants appropriate to use for shade, windbreaks, as a feature, and for various aesthetic effects. Categorise priorities which effect selection of plants for an ornamental garden. Explain the differences in the way plants perform in different microclimates within the same area. List and analyze the situations where plants are used. Pests, Diseases and Weeds (50 hours) The purpose of this study area is develop the student’s ability to identify, describe and control a variety of pests, diseases and weeds in ornamental situation, and to describe safety procedures when using agricultural chemicals. Aims Explain in general terms the principles of pest, disease and weed control and the ecological (biological) approach to such control. Explain the host pathogen environment concept. Describe a variety of pesticides for control of pests, diseases and weeds of ornamental plants in terms of their active constituents, application methods, timing and rates, and safety procedures. Photograph or prepare specimens, identify and recommend control practices for at least five insect pests of ornamental plants. Photograph, sketch or prepare samples, identify and recommend control practices for three non insect ornamental plant health problems (e.g. fungal, viral, bacterial). Describe the major ways in which diseases (fungal, viral, bacterial and nematode) affect turf, the life cycle features that cause them to become a serious problem to turf culture and the methods available for their control. Identify, describe and recommend treatment for three different weed problems. Collect, press, mount and identify a collection of ten different weeds, and recommend chemical and non-chemical treatments which may be used to control each. List and compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of different weed control methods Stream Modules Organic Plant Culture (Compulsory module) The ten lessons are as follows: Introduction – Gardening styles, basic organic procedures, etc. Plant Cultural Practices Understanding Soils Fertilisers and Plant Nutritional Sciences Organic Soil Management Natural Pests and Disease Management Mulching and Weed Management Seeds - Collecting, storing and sowing Organic Vegetable Growing in your locality Organic Fruit Growing in your locality Commercial Organic Vegetable Production (Or another option) There are twelve lessons in this course as outlined below: Introduction to Organic Vegetable Production Cultivation and Planting Vegetable Soils and Nutrition Managing Soils for Vegetables Review of Major Vegetable Varieties Pests and Diseases on Vegetables Organic Vegetable Seeds Greenhouse Growing Organic Vegetables Lesser Grown Varieties and Herbs Irrigation Mulching Harvesting and Marketing Permaculture Systems (or an acceptable other option) There are eight lessons in this course, as follows: Permaculture Principles Natural Systems Zone and Sector Planning Permaculture Techniques Animals in Permaculture Plants in Permaculture Appropriate Technologies Preparing a Plan HOW THIS COURSE CAN HELP YOU? This certificate does two things: a/ In the first half, you learn about general, broad based horticulture. You learn more about soils, pest control, propagation and growing plants - beyond just organic growing (and that keeps your options for work in the future a bit broader). BUT b/ In the second half of the course you learn about organic growing; and having the foundation you developed earlier, your specialised study of organics will be understood and retained more easily. In the grand scheme of things the final outcome is a far more solid understanding of organics, more embedded in your long term memory, and providing an extremely solid foundation to build a career or business on. WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? This course is ideal for people working in the following industries: Crop production Landscaping Horticulture Media Education Nursery Production Permaculture Horticulture consultancy and more HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. 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