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Grounds Management (Horticulture)
Grounds Management (Horticulture) 400 Hours Advanced Certificate Course
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Learn About Grounds Management (Horticulture)
Grounds Management Online Course
This Grounds Management Online Course Develop your skills and knowledge in the care and maintenance of parks, gardens and turf facilities.
A 400 hour course that provides initial training for gardeners, groundsmen and others involved in the care and maintenance of parks, gardens and turf facilities.
This course is similar to other horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to grounds maintenance.
Hi Cara
“So happy to have completed this and thanks for everything you guys have done over the past 3 years. Please can you pass my thanks onto Susan. Wonderful tutor and look forward to receiving my qualifications at long last. Kind regards.” Liam Mc – Advanced Certificate in Grounds Management (Horticulture) – UK
Course Information
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Lessons
Lesson Structure:Â Â Advanced Certificate In Horticulture (Grounds Management) VHT002. GM
Unit 1 – Â Pest, Diseases and Weed Control
Lesson 1 – Â Pest and Diseases
- Managing Pests and Disease Problems
- The Lifecycle of a Disease:
- Diagnosis of Problems
- Tell Tale Symptoms
- Viruses
- Fungal Biology
- Insect Biology
- The Life Cycle of an Insect
- Feeding Habits
- Molluscs, Nematodes and Crustaceans
- Insect Classification
- The Orders of Insects
- Common Garden Insects
- Set Reading – The Pest and Disease E book supplied with your course FREE OF CHARGE
- Keeping Records – Why Keep Records?
- Legal Requirements
- Your Spray Machine – Is it Good Enough?
- Mister/Duster Blowers Extra Information
- What Damage is being Done to the Environment?
- Protecting The Environment for the Future
- Definitions of Pesticide Terms
Lesson 2 – Â Weeds
- Steps in Controlling Weeds
- Some Common Groups of Weeds
- Weeds in Turf
- Some Turf Weedicides
- Law in Relation to Chemical Use
- Commonly Used Commercial Formulations
- Weeds in Nurseries
- Safety Procedures when Using Agricultural Chemicals
- Recommendation
- Types of Herbicide Chemicals
Lesson 3 – Â Cultural Problems
- Plants and Water
- Air Pollution Injury to Plants
- Maintenance in Parks
- Comparitive Work Involved in Different Landscape Treatments
- Natural Gardening Techniques in Nature Parks
- Planting for Succession
- Plant Breeding for Resistance to Pests and Disease
- Parks – Analysis of Parks Maintenance
- Departmental Organisation and Staffing in Parks
- Equipment – A More Natural Approach
- Avoiding Problem Materials
- Disposing of Waste
- Spray Equipment
- Set Reading – Read relevant sections in the ebooks provided
- Pest/Disease Review Worksheet
Unit 2 –Â Turf Maintenance
Lesson 4 – Turf Grasses
- Turf
- Grasses Physiology
- Turf Varieties
- Cultivar Selection Criteria
- Common Turf Species
- Lawn Mixes
- Identifying Grasses – Tips
- Description of Major Warm Season Lawn Grasses
- Establishing Turf Grasses
- Grasses Diagrams
- Turf Glossary
Lesson 5 – Turf Culture
- Turf Maintenance Techniques
- Fertilising Turf
- Weed Control
- Turf Health Problems
- Domestic Lawn Care Program
- Laying a New Lawn
- Set Reading
Lesson 6 – Types of Mowing Equipment
- Types of Mowing Equipment
- Mower Types
- Before Mowing
- Mowing Sports Turf
- Sports Turf Mowers
- Problems that may Occur With Mowing
- More on Mower Types
- Deciding What you Need
- Set Reading
Unit 3 – Tree and Shrub Maintenance
Lesson 7 – Arboriculture
- The Importance of Trees
- Choosing Trees
- How to Plant a Tree
- How to Transplant a Tree
- Tree Surgery
- Tree Surgery Safety
- Tree Surgery Techniques
- Tree Pruning
- Pruning Diagram
- Removing Trees
- Removing a Stump
- Terminology
- Tree Injection
- Set Reading
Lesson 8 – Tree Physiology
- Tree Health Disorders
- How and Why Frost Damage Occurs
- Mistletoe
- Dealing with Plant Problems
- Conducting an Inspection
- Diagnosis of Plant Disorders
- Environmental Problems
- Tree Growth
- Photosynthesis
- Transpiration
- Tree Physiology
- How a Tree Grows
- Compartmentalisation – How a Tree Rots
Lesson 9 – Plant Maintenance
- Planning and Managing a Garden
- Planning
- Checklists for Gardening
- Basic Principles for Working in a Garden Situation
- Pruning
- Pruning Diagram
- Pruning Tools
- Environmental Influences on Plants
- Physical Plant Protection Methods
Unit 4 – Soils Management
Lesson 10 – Soil Degradation
- How Soils Develop
- Soil Degradation
- Salanity
- Soil Acidification
- Chemical Residues
- Set Reading
Lesson 11 – Soil Characteristics
- Soil Characteristics and Their Relationship to Plant Growth
- Cation Exchange Capacity
- Soils and How They Relate to Plant Growth
- The Nitrogen Cycle
- Nitrogen Fixation
- Carbon Cycle
- Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
- Mycorrhizae
- Soil Tests
- Deciding When, What and How to Test
- Measuring pH
- Set Reading
Lesson 12 – Soil Management
- Introduction
- Improving Soils
- Composting Methods
- Mulch
- Cultivation Techniques  and Their Effects on the Soil
- Set Reading
Unit 5 – Irrigation
Lesson 13 – Irrigation Equipment
- Water
- Irrigation Systems
- Irrigation System Design Considerations
- Types of Sprinkler Equipment
- Maintenance of Watering Systems
Lesson 14 – Understanding Water
- Plants and Water
- Understanding the Movement of Soil Water
- Drainage
- How to Improve the Quality of Water from Any Source
- Physical Impurities
- Chemical Impurities
- Biological Impurities
- Pumps and Pressure Systems
- Set Reading
Lesson 15 – Irrigation Design and Operation
- Estimating Water Requirements of Plants
- Irrigation
- Trickle Irrigation in Ornamental Gardens
- Maintaining your Trickle Irrigation
- Putting Greens
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:Â Advanced Certificate In Horticulture (Grounds Management) VHT002. GM
- Outline a logical and systemic approach to identifying pests and diseases, and appropriate management solutions for what has been identified
- Describe appropriate management responses to weed problems, based upon an examination and assessment of the problem and circumstances in which they occur
- Outline appropriate approaches to the culture of amenity plants
- Select appropriate turf species to provide the required performance appropriate to different situations
- Outline an appropriate approach to the culture of most turf cultivars plants encountered
- Outline the resources, human and equipment, that would be required to manage an area of sports turf
- Describe different and appropriate ways of managing a range of different tree species in the landscape
- Explain how trees grow, and how such knowledge can help you better manage trees in a landscape
- Describe how you would approach the task of planning and managing a garden
- Describe a range of management responses to soil degradation
- Describe the characteristics of different soils which affect the health of plants
- Outline soil management plans designed to improve soils, appropriate to different gardens
- Describe irrigation equipment that is appropriate to use in the maintenance of different landscapes
- Describe the movement of water through landscapes and soils, and use of water in maintenance of landscapes
- Describe the operation of irrigation systems in different landscape situations
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Excerpt From The Course
HOW TO PLANT A TREE Planting a tree might seem to be simply a matter of digging a hole and ‘bunging in’ a plant, but many trees fail due to poor planting techniques. If you follow these guidelines, your tree will have its best chance to grow to its full potential.
- Select a site where there is ample room for the tree to grow to its full size. Do not plant close to buildings, under power lines, or over gas and water pipes.
- Excavate the planting hole. The hole should be the same depth and approximately twice as wide as the container.
- Avoid creating smooth sides to the planting hole. Roots will be unable to penetrate into the surrounding soil.
- Remove the plant from its pot. Uncurl any circling roots, and if necessary, give the roots a light prune.
- Plant the tree so that the soil level matches the level of the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with the excavated soil. If the soil is particularly poor, mix in an organic fertiliser before back-filling.
- Gently firm the soil around the plant. Do not heavily press the soil down with your feet. This – will compact the soil, preventing roots from penetrating.
- Water in thoroughly.
Planting Bare-Rooted Trees The procedure for planting bare-rooted trees is much the same as for other trees, except for the following:
- Plant when the tree is dormant (mid-winter).
- Keep the roots of the tree wrapped up and moist until you are ready to plant.
- Dig a hole that is reasonably deep and wider than the root system.
- Mound some soil in the middle of the hole.
- Place the trunk of the plant on the centre of the mound and spread roots away from the trunk.
- Backfill and water in as above.
Planting Advanced Trees
- Advanced trees provide an instant effect, but they can be difficult to handle:
- When moving advanced trees be careful not to strain your back.
- Use machinery, or plenty of people.
- Use wheelbarrows, crowbars and trolleys, and take it slow.
- Once the tree is near or inside the hole, use a crowbar to manoeuvre it into position. In some cases,
- it is easier to break or cut the container than try to lift it out of the pot.
Helping the TreeSettle In Once you have planted your tree, there are a number of things you can do to help it recover from the shock of transplanting.
- Use an anti-stress spray (a spray that puts a coating over the leaf to stop water loss).
- Use a root hormones (chemical or natural e.g. seaweed).
- Water regularly – never let the soil dry out during the first six weeks after planting.
- Apply a fertiliser – regular applications of foliar fertiliser will get evergreens off to a great start.
- Remove damaged stems or roots.
- Install a tree guard to protect the tree from wind, animals and people.
- Only use stakes if the tree is in a very exposed, windy position, and never leave the stake in position for more than one season.
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.Â
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
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.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
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:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â 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:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â 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:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â 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:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â 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:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 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:Â 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.,