Technology, Hydroponics, Greenhouses Courses

Learn to understand the basics of electronics.

Electronics underpins the operation of many types of machinery used in horticultural practices. Lawn mowers to tractors and computer controlled irrigation to refrigeration of produce: equipment used by horticulturists uses electricity.

Aquaponics is the integration of hydroponics with aquaculture technologies.

•  Hydroponics is the horticultural process of growing plants in mediums other than soil.
• Aquaculture is the culture of aquatic organisms (such as fish and crustaceans) for commercial purposes under controlled or partly controlled conditions.

In an aquaponics system the nutrient-rich waste from fish tanks is used to provide plant food to vegetables and herbs grown in hydroponic beds. Chemicals (including nutrients) naturally increase in any water in which fish or other aquatic animals live. Some of these chemicals are the result of excrement from the animals, and others may result from decomposition of dead animal tissue or left over food (such as ammonia). Because of its nutrient composition, water that is used for aquaculture is a useful source of nutrition for growing plants.

Greenhouse Cut Flower Production is intensive horticulture. It requires less land but a greater investment inequipment (compared with production in the open). This form of proddiction can also be more complex -requiring not only an understanding of the plants and related horticultural skills; but also an understanding of how to provide and manage artificial environments.

This course is unique and ideal training for anyone looking to work in this exciting and rewarding field of horticulture.

Learn Advanced Greenhouse Growing Skills

Greenhouses are ideal structures for optimising plant growth whether for propagation, crop production or growing plants for retail and landscaping. However, there are many different options available in terms of prefabricated structures, frames and covering materials so making the right choices can be quite daunting.   

Study this course to learn about different greenhouse structures, their pros and cons, and how to manipulate plant growth by controlling different environmental variables as well as fertilisation and watering regimes.

The course is best suited to those who already have some experience or knowledge of greenhouse growing, though this is not a prerequisite.   

Take Your Hydroponic Knowledge to the Next Level

Get Serious about Hydroponics

The content of this course does overlap with the other two short hydroponic courses to some degree, but assumes you have a greater knowledge of hydroponics to start with, and therefore goes into greater depth than the Hydroponics or Home Hydroponics course. Emphasis is placed on the horticulturally valuable crops such as cut flowers and vegetables.

There are ten lessons which outline :
The course covers all types of systems including NFT, gravel bed, capillary, flood & drip feed, growool, & vertical bags. All types of media are dealt with including scoria, gravel, sand, vermiculite, perlite, expanded clay, polystyrene, stone chip, and rockwool. Major techniques and problems are dealt with, including salinity, nutrient balance, disease control, temperature and humidity, light requirements, pest control, pruning, propagation, harvesting, and more.

Learn more about Managing Hydroponic Systems

This course has been developed to complement Hydroponics I and II; and is intended for people who already have some experience and understanding of hydroponics.

STUDY ENGINEERING FOR HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Start with the Basics of Machinery Used in Horticulture and Agriculture and be an asset to your employer or within your own business.

Save time and money by identifying and rectifying problems before they become a major expense. Be more efficient in the workplace by choosing the right tool for the job - every time.

An introductory subject which aims to develop an ability to manage the selection, operation and maintenance of tools and machinery, with particular reference to agriculture and horticulture. Learn the use and operation of tools, equipment and machines.

A Foundation Course for Working with Machines

Learn how motors and engines work, how they are used to drive machines and how to carry out the routine maintenance needed to keep machinery running. 

Develop your broad understanding of practices and processes involved in successful plant cropping.

It will develop a clear understanding of environmental control and plant growth within a protective environment, together with a practical knowledge of plant husbandry techniques.

Study robotics online.

Learn about the parts of a robot, how they are put together to create different types of robots, and explore the potential for using robotics in horticulture and beyond.