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Plant Growth
Plant Growth in Horticulture 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Plant Growth
Start your career in Horticulture with this online Level 4 Certificate for Plant Growth in Horticulture. This distance learning course of home study will help you to develop essential horticultural skills and knowledge valued by employers. It is therefore an excellent starting point for anyone interested in a career in horticulture or the enthusiastic home gardener.
The course was formally ADL’s RHS Level 2 Certificate in Plant Growth, Propagation and Development, which was very successfully completed by many learners. For the current RHS approved level 2 program, please click here
The Benefit of studying this qualification, is a solid grounding in the subject of Plant Growth in Horticulture, an essential ingredient necessary for beginning a career in horticulture. This course will help you expand and develop the practical skills necessary to successfully grow a variety of plants. Another benefit is that there is just one final exam included in the course fee.
What will this course teach you?
- Classification of Plants and the Plant Naming System
- The Internal Structure of Higher Plants
- The External Structure of Higher Plants, Roots, Leaves, Stems and   Buds
- Identification and Function of the Reproductive Parts of the Plant
- Pollination and Fertilisation in Higher Plants
- The Fundamental Physiological Processes in Plants, Plant Growth and Developmental Relationships
- Soils and the Root Environment
- Plant Nutrition
- Plant Health Problems
- Plant Propagation Principles and Practice
Your Tuition Fee includes:
- Â Â Course Lessons and extra reading material
- Â Practical tasks
- Â Assignments marked with feedback
- Â Access to past RHS exam papers if required
- Â Access to learning resources
-  Unlimited contact with your own personal Tutor by email or phone – vital to your success
There are no prerequisites required for entry into this course.
How to get qualified:
The course is finalised with a single examination at the end and carries a level 4 certificate qualification, endorsed and issued by TQUK, an Ofqual Approved Awarding Organisation.
Student Comment
“I am delighted to report that I passed the exam and received a “Pass with Commendation.” I appreciate very much the detail that you went into, in the the correction of my assignments and I found your advice and extra subject information invaluable in advancing my interest and knowledge in horticulture”. Â Go raibh mile maith agat! (a thousand thanks!) Â Colin, RHS Certificate II , Ireland.
Course Information
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Lessons
Lesson Structure: L4 Certificate for Plant Growth in Horticulture:
There are 10 lessons:
- Classification of Plants and the Plant Naming System
- Botanical and Horticultural Nomenclature: common names, scientific names
- The Binomial System
- Botanical Classification levels
- Horticultural Groups
- Plant Families and their distinguishing characteristics
- Species, Hybrids, Varieties, Cultivars
- Review of significant Dicotyledon and Monocotyledon families
- Plant Lifecycles
- Stages in Plant Development
- Plant Collection Reviews
- The Internal Structure of Higher Plants
- Plant Cell Structure
- Cell Components
- Cell Division; mitosis and meiosis
- Types of Plant Cells; Parenchyma, Collechyma,Sclerenchyma, Xylem, Phloem, Epidermal
- Internal Structure of Dicotyledon Stems: Epidermis, endodermis, cortex,
- vascular bundles, etc
- Structure of Monocotyledon Stems
- External Differences between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons
- Anatomica features of leaves and stems in cross section
- Plant Tissues
- Primary and Secondary Growth
- Terminology
- Botanical Keys and their use
- The External Structure of Higher Plants, Roots, Leaves, Stems and Buds                                                                                                                                                                                                             Â
- Stems; the framework, functions of the stem
- Stem modifications
- Leaves
- Functions of leaves
- Respiration, transpiration and photosynthesis
- Leaf shapes
- Compound leaves
- Leaf modifications
- Buds: adventitious, apical, flower, vegetative
- Root Structure
- Types of Root Systems
- Root Modifications
- Morphological Changes due to Maturation
- Identification and Function of the Reproductive Parts of the PlantÂ
- Parts of a flower: Sepals, Petals Staemens, Carpel
- The Inflorescence
- Flower Structure
- Types of Fruits
- Fruit and Seed Terminology
- Modification of Fruits -dry fruits, succulent fruits, composite fruits, false fruits
- Key to Main Fruit Types
- Pollination and Fertilisation in Higher Plants
- Pollination Processes
- Self Pollination, Cross pollination
- Pollination Mechanisms
- Compatibility
- Fertilisation, Embryo and Seed Formation
- Post Fertilisation
- F1 Hybrids
- Genotype versus Phenotype
- Male Sterility
- Parthenocarpy
- Hybrid Seed Production
- Terminology
- Seed and Fruit Development
- Seed Structure
- Seed Germination
- Fruit Set, Growth and Development
- The Fundamental Physiological Processes in Plants, Plant Growth and Developmental Relationships
- Importance of Photosynthesis
- The Light Reactions
- The Dark Reactions
- Chloplasts in Photosynthesis
- C3, C4 and CAM Plants
- Rate of Photosynthesis
- Chemistry of Respiration
- Rate of Respiration
- Stages of Respiration
- Aerobic versus Anaerobic Respiration
- Transpiration and Translocation of Water
- Osmosis
- Diffusion
- Mechanisms of Nutrient Uptake
- How Water, ions and metabolites move through a plant
- Tropisms; Phototropism, Geotropism, Thigmotropism, etc
- Chemical Growth Modification; Auxins, Gibberellins, AA, Ethylene, Cytokinin, etc
- Effects of Chemical hormones
- Light factors in plant growth
- Artificial Light
- Soils and the Root Environment
- Soil Profile
- Importance of Soil
- Soil Composition
- Texture
- Structure and soil types
- Soil Horizons (A, B, C and R)
- Naming the Soil
- Improving Soil Structure
- Soil Sampling
- Improving Fertility
- Organic Matter
- Benefits of adding Organic Matter
- Soil Water and it’s Value to Plants
- Water Loss from Soils
- Improving Water Retention
- Hygroscopic Water, Gravitational Water, Field Capacity and other terminology
- Saturation
- Rate of Watering
- Plant Health and Drainage
- Symptoms of Poor Drainage Improving surface and sub surface Drainage
- Tensiometer
- Soil pH
- Nutrient Availability and pH
- Calcifuges and Calcicoles
- Adding Lime
- Adding Acidic Materials to Lower pH
- Conservation Issues: Peat
- Terminology
- Plant Nutrition
- Soil Life: Earthworms, Mycorrhyzae, Nitrogen Fixing
- Nitrogen Cycle; Ammonification,Nitrification, Detritrification, Nitrogen Loss
- Forms of Nitrogen
- The Nitrogen Cycle
- The Carbon Cycle
- The Nutrient Elements
- The Major Elements
- The Minor Elements (Trace Elements)
- Total Salts
- Diagnosis of Nutrient Problems
- Fertilisers
- Types of Fertilisers
- Applying Fertilisers
- Natural Fertilisers
- Manures, Rock Dusts, Seaweed
- Composting Methods: sheet composting, Indore method, 14 day method, compost bins, trench composting, etc
- Green Manures
- Mulch and Mulching
- Cultivation Techniues
- Cultivation Tools and Equipment
- Improving Water Infiltration into Soil
- Non Dig Growing Method
- Soil Problems
- Soil Rehabilitation
- Properties of Growing Media
- Potting Media: Components and mixes
- Choosing Growing Media
- Air Filled Porosity
- Hydroponics defined
- Plant Health Problems
- Factors Affecting Plant Health and Growth
- Types of Problems
- Conducting an Inspection
- Determining and Recommending Treatments
- Responding to Difficult to Diagnose Problems
- Plant Pests -major groups
- Pest Treatments – Sanitation, Physical control methods, Resistant varieties, Biological controls, Chemical controls, Soil drenches
- Insect Biology; structure, lifecycles, etc
- Review of Major Pests and their Treatments
- Review of Major Diseases and their Treatments
- Review of Environmental Problems and their Control
- Types of Weeds
- Identifying Weeds
- Weed Control Methods; suffocation, burning, cultivation, grazing, mowing, solarisation, chemicals, etcÂ
- Plant Propagation Principles and Practice
- Sexual Propagation
- When to Sow Seed
- Why Some Seeds Don’t Germinate
- Dormancy Factors in Seed -Hard Seed Coat, Chemical Inhibitors, Undeveloped Embryos etc
- Difficult to Germinate Seeds
- Treatments to Break Seed Dormancy
- Seed Sources
- Seed Saving; Seed Storage
- Sowing Seed Indoors
- Seed Sowing: Germination, Temperature Control Hygeine
- Seed Propagating Media
- Sowing Seed Outside
- Handling and caring for Seedlings
- Potting Up
- Propagation after care
- Propagation from Cuttings
- Succeeding with Cuttings
- Types of Cuttings
- Softwood, Semi Hardwood and Hard wood Cuttings
- Variations on Cuttings: nodal, heel, tip, etc
- Leaf Cuttings, Leaf bud cuttings, Root Cuttings, Bulb Cuttings, etc
- Stock Plants for Cuttings
- Layering
- Propagation from Specialised Stems and Roots; Offsets, Division, etc
- Propagating Tools: Secateurs, How to Cut, Knives
- Grafting
- Propagating Plants in a Greenhouse
- Cold Frames
- Heated Propagators
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:Â L4 Certificate for Plant Growth in Horticulture:
- Describe the classification of higher plants
- Describe the internal structure of higher plants
- Describe the structure and functions of roots, leaves, stems and buds.
- Describe the functions of the reproductive parts of the plant
- Describe the process of pollination and fertilisation in higher plants.
- Describe the processes photosynthesis, respiration, the movement of water in plants and plant growth and development.
- Develop an understanding of the constituents, properties and management of soils and growing media.
- Describe the nutrient elements and plant nutrition in relation to soil and growing media.
- Describe the uses of organic matter and the importance of living organisms in the soil
- Develop an understanding of pest, diseases and weeds that affect horticultural plants, and the cultural, biological, chemical and integrated systems used to control those problems.Develop an understanding of the principles and main practices of plant propagation in horticulture
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
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.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
How Can This Course Help You Begin Your Horticulture Career and Where Can It Take You?
Many thousands of budding horticulturists and keen gardening enthusiasts have studied this course and have gainful employment in the horticultural industry.  Many have also started their own businesses specialising in landscaping, garden designing, nursery business.  Some look after golf courses, work for park departments and provide various garden supply services and much more.  Many have become successful in horticulture media while others have used the course to go onto higher qualifications in horticulture.
Learn From Experts in the Field!
These courses  have trained many thousands of students to become horticulturists.  Our horticultural tutors all have university degrees, are experts in their respective fields and  are active within the industry. They also have many years experience in teaching horticulture through distance learning and understand the needs of students when studying online.
If you only have the time to study one qualification then this would be the one to choose.
The opportunities that this course can add to your career include:
- Employment in a Garden Centre and nursery.
- Work as a qualified gardener – many gardeners lack formal training. With this qualification your expertise will show.
- Turn  your passion for gardening as a hobby into a professional career.
- Use this course as entry to the first rung of the horticultural ladder and then proceed onto further study.
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.,