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Cutting Propagation
Cutting Propagation 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Cutting Propagation
Cutting Propagation course online
Become an expert at cut flower growing with this Cutting Propagation Online Course from ADL
Cut flower growing has experienced rapid expansion in recent decades, resulting in increased demand for training in the skills and knowledge required by this industry in increasingly affluent countries. This course provides a thorough basic training for the commercial cut flower grower.
Course Information
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Lessons
Lesson Structure: Cutting Propagation BHT211
There are 8 lessons:
1 Introduction.
- The principles of propagating plants by cuttings
- Importance of cuttings
- Phenotype vs genotype,
- Why choose cutting propagation
- Where to get cuttings from
- Basic cutting technique.
2 Stem cuttings.
- Ease with which tissue forms roots
- Types of stem cuttings (softwood, hardwood, semi hardwood, herbaceous, tip, heel, nodal, cane etc)
- Treatments (eg. basal heat, mist, tent, etc), testing rooting, etc.
3 Non-stem cuttings.
- Leaf cuttings
- Root cuttings (natural suckering with or without division
- Induced suckering
- In situ whole root cuttings
- Ex situ detached root cuttings)
- Bulb cuttings
- Scaling and twin scaling
- Sectioning
- Basal cuttage.
4 Materials and equipment.
- Selection and maintenance of stock plants
- Disinfecting cutting material;
5 Growing media.
- Propagation media; biological, chemical and physical characteristics of propagation and potting media
- Testing for toxins
- Air filled porosity
- Potting up cuttings
- Soil-less mixes
- Rockwool, etc.
6 Factors affecting rooting.
- Juvenility
- Cutting Treatments (hormones & their application, anti transparents
- Acid/base treatments
- Disinfectants etc)
- Callusing
- Mycorrhizae
- Carbon Dioxide enrichment, etc.
7 Setting up a propagation area.
- Creating and managing an appropriate cutting environment in terms of: Water; Disease; Temperature; Light and Air Quality. Greenhouses and other structures
- Watering methods (mist, fog, capillary etc), heating, etc.
8 Management of cutting crops.
- Estimating cost of production; Keeping records, etc.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Cutting Propagation BHT211
- To familiarise the student with the principles of propagating plants by cuttings
- To develop an understanding of how to propagate plants from stem cuttings
- To develop an understanding of how to propagate plants from non-stem cuttings
- To develop an understanding of the materials and equipment used for propagating plants from stems
- To understand the principles of growing media in relation to cutting propagation
- To understand how and why cuttings form roots. To learn how to manipulate the formation of roots on cuttings
- To understand the principles for establishing successful plant propagation areas
- To understand the principles of nursery crop scheduling
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals – What You Will Do In This Course:
- Establish an area near where you live that can be used for the raising of cuttings ,It doesn’t need to be a greenhouse, just a sheltered place where you can raise the cuttings you will be asked to grow for this course.
- Select ten different plants that can be grown by stem cuttings. Practice preparing different types of cuttings until you feel you can do this well.
- Place samples of your cuttings in a propagating mix and place in the propagation area. Keep the mix moist and observe the behaviour of the cuttings. (eg. does it put on new leaves? Do changes in temperature effect growth? Do any cuttings die? etc. )Make notes of your observations. You will be asked questions about your results later in the course.
- Prepare leaf cuttings for five different plant species.
- Prepare root cuttings for five different plant species.
- Prepare bulb cuttings for five different plant species.
- Place samples of cuttings in a propagating mix.
- Visit three plant propagation nurseries and see if you can find out where they obtain their propagation material.
- Test soil samples and name them.
- Go to your local nursery and/or garden supply and find out what rooting hormones they sell. See if you can discover what chemicals the products contain.
- Visit three different commercial greenhouses.
- Prepare a pot of cuttings and estimate the cost of production for each cutting produced.
Examinations
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
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.
Career Options
What's Included
Excerpt From The Course
You will always improve your success in cutting propagation, if you use the right equipment and materials for the job.
STOCK PLANTS
Stock plants are those plants from which you take your cuttings or other vegetative material (e.g. bulbs, layers, divisions). Stock plants are frequently the most under-rated aspect of vegetative production.
Note: ‘Your Cuttings Are Only Ever As Good As The Plants They Come From!’
If your stock plants are in poor condition:
- Your cuttings may have a lower rate of success.
- Your cuttings may be slower to form roots.
- You may transmit pest or disease problems from your stock plants to other plants in your propagation bed or greenhouse.
- Your cuttings may not develop as strong a growth as they might otherwise.
Selecting Stock Plants
Only use:
- Plants free of disease and pests.
- Plants which are true to type. The stock plants need to be correctly identified and clearly labelled.
- Plants which have been grown under preferred conditions.
- Plants which have been growing well.
- Plants which have been adequately fed, and are free from signs of any nutrient deficiency or leaf burn.
Selection of a ‘true-to-type’ cultivar is something which may require the expert knowledge of a botanist, a taxonomist or a horticulturist. Clonal selection, practised in some countries, involves careful selection of one plant of optimum quality and type. All stock plants are then propagated from this one parent plant.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PLANTS
When deciding what plants to grow or stock in a nursery, you should take into consideration the following criteria:
Ease of Propagation
Is it very easy, of average ease or difficult?
Very easy to propagate plants may bring a lower wholesale price, and their supply in the marketplace might be greater. Difficult plants may be more costly to produce, and more risky to get a profit from unless you have better than average skills.
Availability of Stock
Can it always be purchased in the form you want it (i.e. is seed or tube stock of the plant available for purchase). If the propagation material is to be imported you will need to consider quarantine restrictions.
Time to Grow It
Some plants can be ready to sell within months, others take many years. Plants that can be produced and sold quickly will generate income quickly.
Suitability to Your Facilities
Do you have the right buildings, propagation equipment and other facilities to grow the particular plants under consideration?
Do you have the money and the space to provide those facilities?
Suitability of Climate
What plants are most suitable to grow in your climate?
It is always more efficient to work with the environment rather than trying to modify environments.
Distance from Potential Markets
Transport is costly, and can be risky.
Your Staff’s Skills
Don’t try to do what you are not skilled to do.
Someone with more or specialist skills will probably do it better and cheaper.
Stock Plants Must Be Labelled CorrectlyAlways cross-check the spelling with a reputable publication – such as the Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary or Hortus.
Planting Out Stock Plants
Stock plants should be planted and maintained in the very best conditions. Aspect, light conditions, soil type, etc. should be considered carefully. Avoid areas that have been used in recent times for any form of crop production, particularly if crops grown in the area are in any way related to the stock plants you wish to grow, or the pests and diseases that are common to the crops that were grown are likely to be problems also for your stock plants.
Any stock plant area should be cleaned thoroughly before planting. Remove all weeds and rubbish from the area.
Stock plants should be kept apart from the main production area of a nursery, so that disease or pest problems in the nursery can be stopped before they infect the stock area.
Treatment throughout the Year
Pruning may be necessary to control the type of growth as well as the size and shape of the plant. Pruning a few months prior to taking cuttings can stimulate more growth of the type which is best suited for cuttings.
Feeding should be adequate, but be careful ‑ too much nitrogen can stimulate too much soft growth.
Irrigation is important, particularly during the main growing season.
Some types of plants (e.g. those grown from hardwood cuttings) may require very hard annual pruning to encourage suitable cutting material to develop for the next season.
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERAL
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.
Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,