Lesson Structure:   Berry Production BHT309

There are 8 lessons:

1  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.)

2  Which Varieties to Grow

• Site Selection,
• How much land
• Site Chjaracteristics
• 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

3  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

4  Culture

• Soils
• Planting
• Staking
• Mulching
• Watering
• Pest & disease
• Feeding
• Pruning
• Protection from wind, salt, air, etc.

5  Propagation

• Methods of propagating berries
• Seed, Cuttings, Layering
• Aids to Propagation
• Hardening off Young Plants
• Propagation of selected varieties

6  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

7  Harvesting & Marketing Berries

• When and How to Harvest
• Understanding Fruit Ripening
• Harvesting Techniques
• Post Harvest Treatments

8  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
• 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.

Learning Goals:   Berry Production BHT309

• Differentiate between different types of berry fruit cultivars
• Determine varieties of berry fruit suitable for growing in a specified locality (Part A)
• Determine varieties of berry fruit suitable for growing in a specified locality (Part B)
• Explain the cultural treatment for a range of berry fruits, in specified situations (Part A)
• Determine how to propagate a range of different berry plants
• To explain the cultural treatment for a range of berry fruits, in specified situations (Part B)
• Explain the harvesting of different berry crops
• Develop strategies for commercial success in a berry fruit enterprise

Practicals: Berry Production BHT309

This Hydroponic course would be suitable for:

• Hydroponic Shop Managers and Staff,

• Hydroponic Equipment and Materials Manufacturers and Suppliers

• Other working alongside a hydroponic power supply

If you plan on studying this course, ensure that you do not study more than 1 of Hydroponic I and Home Hydroponics. The difference is that Home Hydroponics is a less intensive academic load and geared for more personal use, while Hydroponics I is a broad based course.

• Distinguish between common and botanical definitions for the term berry.
• Compare the botanical characteristics of berry fruits from four different taxonomic families.
• Prepare a collection of twenty-five plant reviews of different berry varieties,including the following details on each plant:
  • Plant names (Common and scientific)
  • A photo, illustration or pressed specimen
  • Cultural details
  • Harvest and post harvest
  • Uses (eg. valuable products).
• Develop criteria for the selection of suitable berry fruit varieties.
• Evaluate the performance of four different berry varieties.
• Determine appropriate varieties of different berries to grow in a specified locality, considering a range of types, 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 a particular locality.
• Conduct simple soil tests to determine soil characteristics relevant to a proposed berry planting. Soil tests should include:
  • Soil type
  • Water holding capacity
  • pH
  • Drainage
• Recommend appropriate soil preparation for the tested soil, 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 different berry crops.
• Identify different health disorders (e.g. pests and diseases) on berry plants.
• Develop a pest and disease control program for a twelve month period, for a specified berry crop.
• Describe different methods for propagating specified berry plants, including:
  • Cuttings
  • Runners
  • Division
  • Layering
• Demonstrate cutting propagation of two different berry species.
• Produce marketable berry plants representing 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 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 different 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, which you either visit in real life or investigate on the internet.
• 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

Your tutor for this course is:

Susan Stephenson
BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983.
City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984)
Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Due to our years of experience and wide range of online courses, here are a list of our FAQs and Answers asked by Students.

General

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, you are not required to purchase expensive text books for any of our courses, since each module has been written by highly qualified tutors and writers, and our courses are updated on a regular basis, adding new information, methods and knowledge. You are supplied with all “essential” references. Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. Tutors will advise you what to buy if you decide you would like to have extra reading material, but it is not essential. Check out our eBookstore if you’re looking for a starting point.

Q. What sets the Academy apart from other institutions?
A.  A unique feature of our courses is that we combine knowledge of the subject matter with practical tasks (set tasks, found at the end of each lesson).  So you get to do practical components in each lesson. The benefits of this approach are immense: – your skills and knowledge are developed to a much higher level not normally found at other distance learning institutions.

Q. How do the practical exercises (set tasks) work?
A. The practical component of each lesson can be in the form of : Field Research, Networking and Analysis, Conducting Surveys, Growing, Collecting, Photographing and Processes.

Q. If I do a shorter course first, can I get credits towards a certificate or diploma later?
A. Yes. We will assess previous studies to give you appropriate credits.

Q. Can I pay by instalments?
A. Yes, you can view all available payment options here.

Q. Do I get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. Yes. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do I get a discount if I enrol in a second course?
A. Yes. You will be offered a 10% discount on subsequent courses you enrol for.

Q. Can I use more than one discount code when enrolling for my course?
A. No. You can only use one discount code chosen by yourself per course, when more than one is available.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however; have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are there any hidden costs?
A. There are no hidden extras – the tuition fee covers all course material, unlimited tutor support, assignment marking/feedback and any text books where specified and exams. The only extras are for the public examinations fees for the ICB Bookkeeping course and the RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) exams.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are continually updated. The course content is rapidly updated and improved without the red tape and bureaucracy experienced at other educational institutions.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. What Recognition do you have?
A. The Academy for Distance Learning has various forms of recognition:
These include TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) – an Ofqual Awarding Organisation – ADL is an approved TQUK Centre.
IARC – International Approval Registration Centre, approved member.  Accredited Training Provider for ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and Approved Distance Learning Provider for the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and many more. Our graduates come from many parts of the world and have used our qualifications for successful employment and progression onto higher education. To view our full list  of recognition and memberships please click here,

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at the Academy our students are our priority – we treat every student as a unique individual. This philosophy allows us to nurture those who are “slow and steady” learners rather than letting them fall through the cracks, while catering for those who are in a hurry to complete.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you. You’re under no pressure to finish by a certain deadline.

Q. Completing the course- how long will it take?
A. Completion of  modules varies from student to student.  Many factors come into play  such as work commitments and family life- there are always distractions.  Some students work quicker than others.  For a 100 hour module many students will take up to 3- 6 months,  others take less time and some are even longer. It’s all up to you.  There is no pressure to complete or deadline to finish. Naturally, longer courses will take more time.

Q. What learning formats are there?
A.  Your enrollment comes with the Online Classroom study option by default. For a small additional cost you also have the options of USB or Correspondence.
USB: Your course is sent to you on a USB stick, so that you can carry it in your pocket. Ideal for those with unreliable internet connections. This option is an additional £5/module

Correspondence:  You download the course content and then print your own copy to your requirements. You can then bind the lessons to suit your needs.

Assessments

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a project instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location, or you can visit us in Canterbury, England to sit the exam if want to.  Exam fees are included in the tuition fee you paid. You can read more about the examination process here. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment. You submit it to the academy who then submits it to the tutor for marking, comments and feedback. Our policy is to have a grade for you within 5 to 7 days.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes – If you’re not happy with your work submitted you may re-submit the assignment again.

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons there would be 10 assignments. The number of lessons per module varies from module to module. See the course content from our website for further details.

Q. When do I have to hand in my first assignment?
A. There is no deadline for handing in the first assignment. Submit when you are ready. There are some students who hand in assignments within the first couple of weeks of enrolment – while there are others who submit their work 6 months later. It’s all at your own convenience to suit you. Everyone has different work and home commitments and we cater to these needs.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country; however, there may be an additional expense. We can appoint an appropriately qualified person anywhere to work through curriculum documentation supplied by us, to satisfy the requirements set down in a course.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would receive a Certificate (providing you complete all assignments and the exam). If you just want to complete the assignments only, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications awarded please click here.

Q. Is there a next level to progress to?
A. Yes – you can progress from one module to a combination of many modules and to higher qualifications i.e. Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and Higher Advanced Diplomas. Read more about course levels here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to design your own diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. It’s a very popular option and widely used by many students. You quite simply choose the appropriate number of related modules needed to complete the qualification and submit them to us for approval as a custom diploma.

Q.  What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of a 100-hour Certificate course and providing all assignments and exam have been completed, you will receive a Certificate and Transcript.  The Transcript will list your GPA.  Each 100-hour module is worth 3 credit hours.

Exams

Q. Do I have to sit for an exam?
A. Exams are optional but need to be undertaken in order to receive the Certificate or higher qualification.  Exams are one and a half hours long. You appoint an adjudicator (subject to our approval) to supervise the exam. You sit for the exam in your own location. Its that simple.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. If you feel you don’t cope well with exams you may elect to undertake a Project (set by the tutor) instead of sitting the exam.  Many students prefer this option as they find researching the material for the project sharpens their research skills.

Q. If I don’t sit for the Exam do I still get a qualification?
A. If you don’t sit for the exam but complete the project alternative, you will still receive your endorsed qualification. If you don’t sit for an exam or complete a final project, providing you have completed all the assignments you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

Q. Do I have to sit for the exam at the Academy? 
A. No – whilst you are more than welcome to come to our location in Canterbury, U.K. and sit the exam in our classroom; the more popular option is to sit for the exam in your own location. You appoint an adjudicator to supervise the exam. Click here for more information on that process.

Q. Are there any exam fees?
A. There are no exam fees.  However, for some public examinations such as the ICB (Bookkeeping) and RHS courses exam fees do apply.  See course content for details.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A.  We only employ tutors who have are currently active in their industry with at least 5 years of real-world experience.  Not only are they highly qualified but also experienced, knowledgeable, and professional- experts in their chosen fields from all parts of the world.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes- you have unlimited access to tutors. We strongly encourage students to develop a dialogue with their Tutor. This is why we encourage students to submit their first assignment fairly quickly at the beginning of the course.
Every Academy student is assigned a tutor who supports you throughout your course and beyond. Your tutor is there to guide and facilitate your learning and provides as much or as little individual contact as you would like. When you submit your coursework the tutor will give you feedback that helps you develop your ideas and provides motivation. For those who do like to have interaction with other students, the ADL discussion forum connects you to students from all over the world.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. You have direct contact with your tutor by email through the Online Classroom. Alternatively, you can write, fax, email, or phone the academy. Leave a message if your tutor isn’t available and they will phone, write or fax back; whatever suits you.

Q. If I don’t agree with / like my tutor can I request a change?
A. Yes – we try to accommodate and meet student’s needs and a change of tutor may be arranged.

Q. If I don’t understand a question or a lesson may I contact the tutor?
A. You may contact a tutor as often as you like. There is no additional charge or restriction on this service.  Contact can be made via the Student Zone, email, or by phone.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.

Excerpt From The Course

Most berries are normally propagated by vegetative means. While it is possible to grow berry plants from seed, vegetative propagation ensures that the parent plant’s valuable qualities (such as fruit flavour or frost hardiness) are retained in the new plant stock.

SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL PROPAGATION

Sexual Propagation

Sexual propagation involves growing a plant from a seed or spore which has been produced by fertilization of the female part of one plant by the male part (usually of another plant). Plants grown this way can have some characteristics of one parent - and different characteristics from the other parent. A sexually propagated plant is not always exactly the same as the plant from which the seed or spores was taken.

Most flowering annuals, vegetables, biennials and perennials are grown this way. Ferns and some trees and shrubs are also grown sexually. Berry fruit sometimes grown sexually include the alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca). The blue berry can also be propagated this way but remember that the off-spring may not be true to type or be of high quality.  

Asexual Propagation (Vegetative Propagation)

Propagation involves reproducing a new plant from only one parent.  A part of an existing plant is treated in some way so that it can produce a new plant ie. asexual propagation involves growing a new plant from a piece of stem, leaf or root (or possibly all three).

Seed (Sexual) Propagation

Propagating plants from seeds is called sexual propagation.

Seeds however can be variable; in other words they may not always be a replica of the parent plant. The growth habit and colour may vary between plants grown from the same batch of seeds. This is brought about by a random combination of genetic material from the parents. The genetic make-up of each seed is unique. Plant breeders cross-pollinate plants that are genetically different deliberately in order to find interesting features this produces new varieties or cultivars.

In order for seeds to germinate they require:

1. Water and oxygen.

2. An appropriate temperature.

3. Sometimes light (depending on the species).

4. Viable seed.

Given the above, a seed will germinate readily and embryo will develop and the plant will grow. If a seed is not given these requirements or when one is lacking or insufficient the seed will not germinate.