Course Structure:   Advanced Certificate In Horticulture (Crops) VHT002.HOR

Compulsory Modules:

1  Outdoor Plant Production (Crops I) BHT112

1. Crop Production Systems
2. Organic Crop Production
3. Soils and Nutrition
4. Nursery Stock Production
5. Tree Fruit Production
6. Soft Fruits Production
7. Vegetable Production
8. Cut Flower Production
9. Herbs, Nuts and Miscellaneous Crops
10. Crop Production Risk Assessment

2  Protected Plant Production BHT223

1. Structures for Protected Cropping
2. Environmental Control
3. Cladding Materials and their Properties
4. Irrigation and Nutrition
5. Relationship between Production techniques and Horticultural practices
6. Harvest and Post Harvest Technology
7. Risk Assessment

Elective Modules:  Choose  any 2 modules from the courses listed below:

1  Cut Flower Production BHT221

1. Introduction to Cut Flower Production
2. Soils & Nutrition
3. Cultural Practices
4. Flower Initiation & Development
5. Pest & Disease Control
6. Australian Natives & Related Plants
7. Greenhouse Culture
8. Harvest & Post Harvest
9. Developing A Production Plan
10. Export Marketing

2  Fruit Production: Temperate Climate BHT218

1. Introduction to Temperate Fruit Growing
2. Establishing an Orchard
3. General Cultural Practices
4. Tree Fruits
5. Vines, Nuts & Berries
6. Citrus
7. Cultural Management of a Fruit Plantation or Orchard
8. Marketing Your Produce

3  Commercial Vegetable Production BHT222

1. Introduction to Vegetable Growing
2. Cultural Practices for Vegetables
3. Pest, Disease & Weed Control
4. Hydroponic & Greenhouse Growing
5. Growing Selected Vegetable Varirties
6. Irrigation
7. Harvest & Post-Harvest
8. Marketing Vegetables

4  Nut Production BHT219

1. Introduction
2. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties
3. Culture of Nuts
4. Less Common Nuts
5. Propagation
6. Harvest and Post-harvest of Nuts
7. Marketing Nuts
8. Workplace Health, Safety and Risk Management
9. Special Assignment

5  Mushroom Cultivation BHT310

1. Introduction
2. Mushroom Culture
3. Spawn Production & Spawning
4. Making & Casing Beds
5. Growing Conditions for Mushrooms
6. Growing Mushrooms Outside (Pest and Disease Management)
7. Harvesting, Storing & Using Mushrooms
8. Special Assignment – Marketing of Mushrooms

6  Berry Production BHT309

1. Introduction
2. Which Varieties to Grow
3. Lesser Grown Varieties of Berry Plants
4. Culture
5. Propagation
6. Weed Control & Irrigation
7. Harvesting & Marketing Berries
8. Commercial Berry Growing

7  Viticulture BHT220

1. Introduction
2. Climate & Soils
3. Selecting Grape Varieties
4. Vineyard Establishment
5. Grapevine Culture Part A (Training & Pruning)
6. Grapevine Culture Part B (Weeds, Pests & Diseases)
7. Grapevine Culture Part C (Irrigation & Feeding)
8. Improving Grape Quality
9. Harvesting & Selling
10. Wine

Note:  each module in this Advanced Certificate is a certificate in its own right, and may be studied separately. Click on the course links to see a breakdown of what each lesson in a module will teach you.

Learning Goals:   Advanced Certificate In Horticulture (Crops) VHT002.HOR

• Explain different cropping systems and their appropriate application for the production of different types of crops.
• Evaluate and explain organic plant production, and the requirements in at least two different countries, to achieve organic certification.
• Explain the function of soils and plant nutrition in outdoor cropping systems.
• Describe the commercial production of a range of nursery stock.
• Describe the commercial production of a range of tree fruit crops.
• Explain techniques used to produce a range of soft fruits.
• Explain techniques used to grow a range of vegetables.
• Explain the commercial production of outdoor-grown cut flowers.
• Describe the commercial production of herbs, nuts and other miscellaneous crops.
• Identify the risks that may occur in outdoor crop production.
• Describe and Evaluate the type and shape of modern growing structures.
• Describe and evaluate environmental controls in protected cropping.
• Explain the nature of solar radiation, transmission properties of glass and its substitutes.
• Determine the water requirements of a crop; and methods of irrigation.
• Relate horticultural principles to the production and harvesting of a range of crops.
• Evaluate the factors involved in marketing protected crops.
• Evaluate the factors involved in marketing protected crops.
• Undertake risk assessment for a protected crop.
• 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.
• Describe how to prune different plants.
• Demonstrate how to cut wood 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 the reasons 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 different types of machinery for use in garden maintenance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
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 your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

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

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.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

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.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

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.

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.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click 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. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

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.