Lesson Structure: Advanced Diploma in Horticulture

Core Modules:

1. Propagation I BHT108
2. Soil Management BAG103
3. Botany I BSC104
4. Horticulture III (Plant Health) BHT103
5. Practical Horticulture I BHT238

Elective Modules:  Choose any 3 modules from the list below:

1. Outdoor Plant Production (Crops I) BHT112 or;
2. Protected Plant Production BHT223
3. Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens BHT242 or;
4. Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens BHT243
5. Turf Care BHT104 or Plant Selection and Establishment BHT107
6. Wholesale Nursery Management BHT212

Note:  each module in this Advanced Diploma is a certificate in its own right, and may be studied separately. Click on links above to see what each module will teach you in more detail.e Modules:  Lesson Structure

Core Modules:  Lesson Structures

Below are the lesson topics you will cover in the core modules. Click on the above links for more details and to view the course content, lessons and what you will do in the courses.

1.  Propagation I  BHT108

There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction to Propagation
2. Seed Propagation
3. Potting Media
4. Vegetative Propagation I
5. Vegetative Propagation II
6. Vegetative Propagation III
7. Propagation Structures and Materials
8. Risk Management
9. Nursery Management I
10. Nursery Management II

2.  Soil Management BAG103

There are 8 lessons:

1.  Introduction: Soils And Soil Classification
2.  Properties of Soils and Plant Nutrition
3.  Soil Testing Methods
4. Land Degradation and Other Soil Problems
5. Soil Management on Farms
6. Crops: Soil and Nutrient Requirements (Part A)
7. Crops: Soil and Nutrient Requirements (Part B)
8.  PBL Soil project – Soil Investigation and Report

3.  Botany I – Plant Physiology and Taxonomy  BSC104

There are 10 lessons:

1. Taxonomic Classification of Plants
2. Cells and Tissues
3. Specific Vegetative Parts of a Plant
4. Flowers and Fruit
5. Seed and the Developing Embryo
6. Photosynthesis and Growing Plants
7. Respiration
8. The Role of Water
9. Movement of Water and Assimilates through a Plant
10. The Effects of Tropisms and Other Growth Movements

4.  Horticulture III – Plant Health  BHT103  

There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Preventative Controls
3. Insecticides
4. Other Pesticides
5. Spray Equipment
6. Insect Biology
7. Fungal Biology
8. Environmental Problems
9. Viruses
10. Nematodes, Molluscs and Crustaceans

5.  Practical Horticulture I BHT238  

There are 10 lessons:

1. Soil Analysis
2. Seed Propagation (including seed identification)
3. Vegetative Propagation
4. Potting up and After Care of young plants
5. Planting
6. Maintenance of Established Plants
7. Practical Plant Identification
8. Pest and Disease Identification
9. Weed Identification
10. Risk Assessment

Then Choose any 3 of the elective modules listed above See what our students have been saying about us?:

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

Susan Stephenson

Extract from Propagation 1 BHT108 LIFE CYCLES IN PLANTS  There are basically two different types of developmental life cycles in plants: sexual and asexual. These phases have a significant influence on the techniques used by propagators. Phases of the Sexual Cycle   There are three phases in this cycle:   1. The embryo phase – the union of male and female gametes in the flower forms a single-celled zygote. The resulting embryo develops within the fruit and seed.   2. The juvenile phase – the seed germinates and the embryo grows into a juvenile plant. At this stage, many plants respond well to vegetative propagation techniques but will not respond to flower-inducing stimuli. 3. The adult phase – the plant reaches its ultimate size and develops flowers in response to environmental signals (e.g. change in day-length or temperature) or internal hormonal stimuli. The plant may change in its morphological appearance including leaf shape and growth habit. It may be more difficult to propagate by vegetative means but has better response to flowerinducing stimuli.  In some plants both the juvenile and adult phases can be found in the same plant at one time.    Phases of the asexual cycle  There are two phases in the asexual cycle: 1. Vegetative phase – this phase involves the growth of the plant: roots, leaves and stems increase in length, and the plant increases in volume. 2. Flowering phase – the stems stop growing, and the growing points differentiate into flower buds that eventually produce flowers, fruits and seeds. Sage at flowering phase   Types of Life Cycles Life cycles of plants can be classified as annual, biennial and perennial, depending on how long it takes for the plant to grow through the sexual cycle from zygote to seed production.   Annuals – plants go through the entire life cycle in one season, i.e. seeds germinate, grow and produce flowers and seeds, then die in the same growing season. Biennials – plants have a two-year life cycle, i.e. seeds germinate and remain in a vegetative or juvenile state for one season. They remain dormant over winter then produce flowers and seeds in the second season then die. Biennial – Carum carvi Perennials – plants live more than two years; each year they go through the vegetativereproductive cycle. • Herbaceous perennials are plants that have shoots that die back each winter or in dry periods, then re-grow and flower the following season. They have specialised underground storage organs such as bulbs, rhizomes or crowns that enable them to survive the dormant period.   • Woody perennials continue to increase in size every year.                                               Herbaceous perennial – Nepeta faasenii   Woody perennial – Lavandula sp. TERMINOLOGY Sexual propagation: A method of propagation that requires the union (fertilization) between the male and female gametes to from a single cell (the zygote) within the ovary of a flower. New plants show variability to that of the parents as it has both features. Asexual propagation:  A method of propagation that involves no fusion between the male and female gametes. These methods result in a plant that is identical to the parent plant. Techniques include cuttings, division, separation, layering, tissue culture, etc.   Stool bed layering: Sometimes called mound layering or stooling. Healthy plants are planted in loose friable soil one year before propagation is to start. Before mother plants start shooting in spring, they are cut back to 2.5cm above the ground level. When they are 7-12 cm long, loose soil or sawdust is heaped up around each shoot to about half its height. When shoots have grown to a total height of about 20-25cm, a second hilling operation takes place. A third and final hilling usually takes place in mid-summer when shoots have reached about 45cm. At this stage the base of the shoots will have a covering of about 15-20cm.  By the end of the growing period, stool shoots should have rooted sufficiently to be removed form the parent plant. Hilling may restart the following year. This technique has been used for plants such as apple and pear rootstocks, quince, currants and gooseberries.   Separation: A method of asexual propagation which involves the pulling apart of immature plants from one-another. Bulbous plans such as daffodils can be separated for one-another.   Division: A method of asexual propagation involving the cutting away of plants from the parent plant. Clump forming plants are the most commonly divided plants. Use of two garden forks backto-back pushed into the plant then teased apart is a common technique of division. Plant parts that are cut should be severed with a sharp clean instrument such as a knife or secateurs.   Root cuttings: A method of asexual propagation utilizing root pieces taken from young stock plants in late winter or early spring. It is important to maintain the correct polarity when planting (to avoid confusion many propagators cut the upper end flat and the lower end at a slight angle). When planting, insert cutting vertical so that top of cutting is at soil level. With many species, laying the cutting horizontally 2.5 – 5 cm deep works quite well and avoids the confusion of planting upside down.   Leaf bud cuttings: A method of asexual propagation consisting of a leaf blade (lamina), petiole, and a short piece of the stem with the attached axillary bud. Top grafting: Also called top working. To change the cultivar of a tree by grafting the main scaffold branches.   Budding: A form of grafting; a single vegetative bud is taken from one plant and inserted into stem tissue of another plant so that the two grow together as one plant. The inserted bud develops into a new shoot.   Aerial layering: Also called marcott; an unattached aerial portion of a plant on which roots are caused to develop commonly as the result of wounding or other stimulation.   Offsets: Term given to full sized bulblets (miniature meristematic bulbs in the axils of bulb scales). Approach grafting: Two independent, self-sustaining plants are grafted together. After the union has occurred, the top of the stock plant is removed above the graft and the base of the scion plant is removed below the graft. It is normally performed with one or both of the plants in containers. It is commonly used for plants where grafting is not so successful. It is best done when growth is active and rapid healing of graft union should occur. There are three methods of approach grafting: spliced, tongued and inlay.

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.