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Horticulture
Horticulture I 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Horticulture
Horticulture Online Course
Gain a broad technical grounding in horticultural principles and practice with this distance learning Horticulture Online Course from ADL
Apply horticultural basics to all situations.
The ideal course for the beginner, this is a basic, yet thoroughly practical course. Each lesson involves plant identification.
This module has been written to teach horticulture in a way relevant to all parts of the world. It puts aside regional techniques, and tries to teach you principles and concepts which can be applied to anywhere.
By the end of the course, you will have learned to:
- Scientifically identify around 100 plants
- Understand soils
- Propagate plants
- Prune plants
- Identify and control pests and diseases
- Control weeds
- Establish, repair and care for turf
- Plan and draw a simple garden design
student comment:
“Hi there
I would like to submit my Horticulture I BHT101 assignment 10 on Landscaping for marking please to my tutor, Sue Stephenson.
This assignment has been a really interesting one for me and has taken me much longer than normal, but, I’ve enjoyed working on it as I’ve never ‘attemtpted’ to put together a garden design before – very thought provoking. Thing is, it’s like a painting isn’t it, how do you know when it is finished!”  Tracey R, Horticulture I BHT101, UK
Lesson Structure:Â Horticulture I BHT101
There are 13 lessons in this course:
1 Â Plant identification
- Naming plants
- Distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid
- Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons
- Characteristics of botanical families
- Structure and arrangement of leaves and leaflets
- Leaf terminology
- Leaf arrangements
- Flower structure and identifying the different parts of a flower
- How seeds form
- Plant reviews
- Collecting and pressing plants for herbaria
2 Â Planting
- Garden terminology
- Common garden problems
- Basic planting procedure
- Fertilising and staking when planting
- Dealing with bare rooted plants
- Time of planting
- Deciding where to plant
- Mulching
- Making garden beds
- Raised beds
- Sunken beds
- Planting terminology
3 Â Recognising plant families and identifying plants
- Becoming familiar with plant families
- Botanical Latin
- Systematic examination of plants – dicot or monocot, type of wood, etc
- Characteristics of important families including: Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Ericaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae.
- Getting to know more common families
- Other ways to identify plants
- Plants for shade
- Plants for exposed conditions
- Plants for inner city gardens
4 Â Soils
- Purpose of soil
- Soil structure: classifying soils
- Soil water and air
- Soil temperature
- Soil pH
- Nutrient availability
- Naming a soil
- Improving soils
- Composting
- Natural plant foods
- Sampling and testing soils
- Potting soil mixes
- Soil terminology
5 Â Plant nutrition
- The nutrient elements
- Major elements
- Minor elements
- Diagnosis of nutrient problems
- Fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
- How much fertilizer to apply
- Terminology
6 Â Water management
- Introduction to irrigation
- Feasibility of irrigation
- Soil and water
- When to irrigate
- Water deficiency symptoms
- Types of soil moisture; gravitational, capillary, hygroscopic
- Measuring water available to plants
- Rooting depths of plants
- Estimating water requirements
- Pumps, sprinklers and other equipment
- Understanding hydraulics
- Conventional sprinkler systems; portable, permanent, semi permanent
- Cyclic watering
- Pulse watering
- Irrigation scheduling
- Sprinkler spacing
- Improving soils for water management
- Drainage
- Erosion management
- Soil compaction
- Acidification
7 Â Garden maintenance and weeds
- Cost of garden maintenance
- Machinery
- Comparing more and less costly areas of the garden.
- Common weeds and their identification
- Weed control methods – chemical and non chemical
- Plants that become invasive
- Environmental weeds
8 Â Pests and diseases
- Pest and disease overview
- Preventative measures for managing pest and disease
- Review of major pest problems and control options: Aphis, Borers, Caterpillar, Leaf Miner, Mealy Bug, Red Spider, Scale, etc
- Review of major diseases and their control: Anthracnose, Black Leg, Rots, Botrytis, Damping off, Die back, Mildew, Rust etc.
- Diagnosis of problems
- Introduction to plant pathology and entomology
- Chemical pesticides and basic toxicology
- Integrated pest management
9 Â Pruning
- Reasons for pruning
- Identifying bud types
- Basic rules of pruning
- Pruning in a home orchard
- Terminology
- Winter pruning tools
- Examples of winter pruning; Crepe Myrtle, Hydrangea, Raspberry, Fuchsia, Kiwi Fruit, Grevillea, etc
- Rose pruning
10 Landscaping
- Introduction and pre planning information
- Plant selection criteria
- Covering the ground
- Living plant cover
- Mulches
- Container growing outside
- General considerations
- Terminology
11 Propagation
- Methods of propagation: seed propagation and vegetative propagation
- Propagation structures: cold frames
- Cutting propagation
- Factors affecting rooting of cuttings
12 Lawns
- Turf grass varieties
- Review of common turf species
- Laying a new lawn
- Common turf problems
- Cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.
13 Arboriculture
- What is arboriculture
- How to keep trees healthy
- Where and how to cut trees to remove branches or prune
- Why remove a tree
- Ways to fell a tree
- Removing a stump
- Tree surgery; terms and techniques
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Learning Goals: Horticulture I BHT101
- Distinguish between different plants, to enable identification of the plant species.
- Explain appropriate procedures for establishing a range of plants in different conditions.
- Describe the characteristics of plant growing media necessary for healthy plant growth.
- Explain the characteristics of plant nutrition necessary for healthy plant growth.
- Determine appropriate water management procedures for healthy plant growth.
- Understand appropriate procedures for pruning plants on a horticultural site.
- Determine solutions for the management of a range of common weeds.
- Determine solutions for the management of a range of common pests and diseases.
- Prepare a concept plan for the development of a garden.
- Understand commonly used plant propagation techniques.
- Develop guidelines for general lawn care.
- Develop guidelines for general tree care in a horticultural situation.
- To identify, propagate and care for 80 different types of plants.
- The systematic way plants are classified.
- Structure and parts of a flower.
- To identify different leaf shapes.
- Different ways to control weeds.
- Simple soil tests.
- Making propagating and potting mixes.
- Identifying pest and disease problems.
- How and why to prune different plants.
- Drawing a simple garden sketch plan.
- To plant or repair a lawn; and lots more.
Practicals:
- Distinguish between plants in order to identify at least 120 plants on plant review sheets.
- Plant out a container plant following a recommended procedure.
- Sample and carry out simple tests on different soils.
- Identify a range of nutrient problems in plants.
- Identify a range of pest and disease problems in plants.
- Demonstrate the correct procedure for pruning a plant.
- Identify a range of different plants, based on their flower and leaf structures.
- Determine appropriate procedures for planting according to type of plant and site.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to care for plants in the garden.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate plant selection for a range of different sites.
- Identify a range of plant health problems and describe appropriate chemical and non-chemical control methods to control those problems.
- Identify characteristics of plant growing media necessary for healthy plant growth.
- Explain the importance of organic matter in soil management.
- Describe the principles and techniques of composting.
- Determine nutrient problems and describe chemical and non-methods for overcoming these problems.
- Identify management solutions to a range of plant problems including weeds, pests and diseases.
- Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
- Determine appropriate water management practices applicable to plant growth.
- Describe the characteristics of irrigation and drainage systems.
- Describe the importance of pruning to plant growth, flowering and fruiting.
- Describe safe use of chemicals.
- Develop criteria for selecting suitable plants for a landscape project.
- Prepare concept plans for landscape redevelopment.
- Draw a concept plan for a garden redevelopment.
- Demonstrate the correct procedure for taking cuttings from a range of plants.
- Distinguish between different pre-germination seed requirements and techniques, for different plant species.
- Determine appropriate turf species for different purposes and chosen climatic conditions.
- Explain the composition of lawn seed mixes and fertilizers.
- Observe and report on lawn management techniques.
- Determine solutions to lawn problems.
- Explain the cause and effect of common tree problems.
- Determine appropriate methods for treating tree problems.
- The ideal course for the beginner, this is a basic, yet thoroughly practical course. A section of each lesson involves plant identification.
- This subject has been written to teach horticulture in a way that is relevant to all parts of the world. It puts aside regional techniques, and tries to teach you principles and concepts which can be applied to anywhere.
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.
- 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.
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.
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