Lesson Structure: Diploma in Horticulture (Herbs) VHT002

This course is made up of the following two PARTS:

1. CORE STUDIES – at least 350 hours of study, or half the course. The student completes 15 lessons on general horticulture.
2. STREAM STUDIES – a further 300-350 hrs of study specifically on herbs. The student completes 3 additional elective modules on the cultivation, uses, and marketing of herbs.

Core Studies
These involve 15 lessons in general horticulture, as follows:

1. Introduction to Plants
   • Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids
2. Parts of the Plant
   • How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, modification of stems and roots
3. Plant Culture
   • Planting  – How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants
4. Plant Culture Pruning
   • Purposes of pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune
5. Plant Culture
   • Irrigation and Machinery  – Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, maintenance in the garden and of tools
6. Soils and Media
   • Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes
7. Soils and Nutrition
   • Fertilisers, deficiencies and toxicities, N:P:K ratios, salting, fertiliser programming, compost
8. Propagation
   • Seeds and Cuttings  – How to propagate plants with the two easiest techniques, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants
9. Propagation
   • Other Techniques  – Other methods to increase plant numbers – budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture
10. Identification and Use of Plants
    • How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site
11. Identification and Use of Plants
    • Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem site
12. Identification and Use of Plants
    • Indoor and Tropical Plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns
13. Pests
    • Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions
14. Diseases
    • Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems, interactions with the host and the environment
15. Weeds
    • Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.

Stream studies:

• Herb Culture BHT114

PLUS any TWO of the following:

1. Aromatherapy VHT104
2. Culinary Herbs VHT242
3. Medicinal Herbs BHT227
4. Lavender BHT228
5. Scented Plants BHT229

EXAMS: There are two exams for the core and 3 for the stream (one for each stream module) Exam fees are included in the tuition costs.

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

Practicals: Diploma in Horticulture (Herbs) VHT002

• Use the binomial system of plant classification
• Develop a resource file for information about herbs
• Identify a wide range of herb species and varieties, their culture and uses, and their availability
• Study in depth the most commonly grown herb varieties, their culture and uses
• Use herbs in a different herb crafts and foods
• Identify medicinal and toxic chemical properties of herbs (both in general and specific terms)
• Describe work procedures involved in operating a herb farm, including harvesting herbs and use of post-harvest treatments
• Plan and prepare to manage a maintenance program in an ornamental garden or park
• Design and implement a marketing program for a business operating in the herb industry.

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. 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.