Certificate in Horticulture

Unlock the secrets of the plant world with our Certificate in Horticulture, a comprehensive program designed for aspiring horticulturists, gardening enthusiasts, and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge. This course offers a robust foundation in the science and art of cultivating plants, equipping you with the skills necessary to thrive in the horticulture industry.

Our meticulously crafted curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from plant biology and soil science to landscape design and sustainable gardening practices. You’ll learn from experienced horticulturists and gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects. Whether you aim to start your own gardening business, enhance your current career, or simply pursue a passion for plants, our Certificate in Horticulture provides the knowledge and credentials you need to succeed.

Join us at Courses Direct Limited and embark on a journey to master the art and science of horticulture. With flexible online learning options and expert support, achieving your horticultural dreams has never been more accessible. Enroll today and plant the seeds for a flourishing future.

The Viticulture stream is divided into the following;

1. Introduction to Viticulture

2. Introduction to Grapevines

3. Propogation of Grapevines

4. Improving Grape Quality

5. Climate & Other Factors in Sitting Vineyards

6. Grape Varieties & Selection

7.. Establishing A Vineyard

8. Harvest & Post – Harvest handling

9. Managing a Vineyard

10. Machinery & Equipment

11. Irrigation

12. Plant Nutrition

13. Agricultural Chemicals

14. Supervision

15. Increasing Efficiency

CORE UNITS
The core units comprise fifteen modules that are divided into the following sections:

Introduction to Plants
Plant Culture
Soils and Nutrition
Plant Identification and Use
Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Students must complete and pass all of these core units.

1. Introduction to plants (40 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to explain the binomial system of plant classification and demonstrate identification of plant species through the ability of using botanical descriptions for leaf shapes and flowers.

Aims

Describe the relevant identifying physical features of flowering ornamental plants.
Demonstrate how to use prescribed reference books and other resources to gain relevant information.
Dissect, draw and label two different flowers.
Collect and identify the shapes of different leaves.
Demonstrate how to identify between family, genus, species, variety and cultivar.

2. Plant culture (60 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to demonstrate the ability to care for plants so as to maintain optimum growth and health while considering pruning, planting, and irrigation.

Aims

Describe how to prune different plants.
Demonstrate how to cut wood correctly, on the correct angle and section of the stem.
Describe how to plant a plant.
Demonstrate an awareness of different irrigation equipment, sprinklers, pumps and turf systems available by listing their comparative advantages and disadvantages.
Demonstrate competence in selecting an appropriate irrigation system for a garden, explaining why that system would be preferred.
Define water pressure and flow rate and how to calculate each.
Explain the need for regular maintenance of garden tools and equipment.
List factors that should be considered when comparing types of machinery for use in garden maintenance.

3. Soils and plant nutrition (50 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to identify, work with, and improve the soil condition and potting mixes, and to evaluate fertilisers for use in landscape jobs to maximize plant growth.

Aims

Describe the soil types commonly found in plant culture in terms of texture, structure and water-holding and nutrient holding capacity.
Describe methods of improving soil structure, infiltration rate, water holding capacity, drainage and aeration.
List the elements essential for plant growth.
Diagnose the major nutrient deficiencies that occur in ornamental plants and prescribe treatment practices.
Describe soil pH and its importance in plant nutrition.
Describe the process by which salting occurs and how to minimise its effect.
Conduct simple inexpensive tests on three different potting mixes and report accordingly.
Describe suitable soil mixes for container growing of five different types of plants.
List a range of both natural and artificial fertilizers.
Describe fertilizer programs to be used in five different situations with ornamental plants.

4. Introductory propagation (40 hours duration)
The purpose of this study area is to improve the student’s understanding of propagation techniques with particular emphasis on cuttings and seeds. Other industry techniques such as grafting and budding are also explained.

Aims

Demonstrate propagation of six (6) different plants by cuttings and three from seed.

Construct a simple inexpensive cold frame.

Mix and use a propagation media suited to propagating both seed and cuttings.
Describe the method and time of year used to propagate different plant varieties.
Describe and demonstrate the steps in preparing and executing a variety of grafts and one budding technique.
Explain the reasons why budding or grafting are sometimes preferred propagation methods.

5. Identification and use of plants (60 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to improve the student’s range of plant knowledge and the plant use in landscaping and the ornamental garden, and the appreciation of the different optimum and preferred growing conditions for different plants.

Aims

Select plants appropriate for growing in different climates.
Select plants appropriate to use for shade, windbreaks, as a feature, and for various aesthetic effects.
Categorise priorities which effect selection of plants for an ornamental garden.
Explain the differences in the way plants perform in different microclimates within the same area.
List and analyze the situations where plants are used.

6. Pests, diseases and weeds (50 hours)
The purpose of this study area is develop the student’s ability to identify, describe and control a variety of pests, diseases and weeds in ornamental situation, and to describe safety procedures when using agricultural chemicals.

Aims

Explain in general terms the principles of pest, disease and weed control and the ecological (biological) approach to such control.
Explain the host pathogen environment concept.
Describe a variety of pesticides for control of pests, diseases and weeds of ornamental plants in terms of their active constituents, application methods, timing and rates, and safety procedures.
Photograph or prepare specimens, identify and recommend control practices for at least five insect pests of ornamental plants.
Photograph, sketch or prepare samples, identify and recommend control practices for three non insect ornamental plant health problems (e.g. fungal, viral, bacterial).
Describe the major ways in which diseases (fungal, viral, bacterial and nematode) affect turf, the life cycle features that cause them to become a serious problem to turf culture and the methods available for their control.
Identify, describe and recommend treatment for three different weed problems.
Collect, press, mount and identify a collection of ten different weeds, and recommend chemical and non-chemical treatments which may be used to control each.
List and compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of different weed control methods

The Certificate in Horticulture with a focus on Viticulture is designed for individuals passionate about the science and art of grape cultivation and winemaking. This specialized program offers significant benefits to a variety of individuals, including:

Aspiring Viticulturists: Those looking to enter the viticulture industry will gain a comprehensive understanding of grape growing, vineyard management, and the winemaking process, laying a strong foundation for a successful career.

Winery Owners and Managers: Individuals already operating wineries can enhance their knowledge of vineyard management practices, improve grape quality, and increase the overall efficiency and success of their operations.

Wine Enthusiasts and Connoisseurs: Wine lovers seeking to deepen their understanding of viticulture and winemaking can gain valuable insights into the complexities of grape cultivation and the nuances of wine production.

Agricultural Workers: Those working in agriculture, particularly in regions with grape-growing potential, can diversify their skill set and explore new opportunities within the viticulture sector.

Sustainable Farming Advocates: Individuals dedicated to sustainable farming practices can learn how to implement eco-friendly and sustainable techniques in vineyard management, contributing to a more environmentally conscious wine industry.

Entrepreneurs: Those aspiring to start their own vineyard or winery will receive the essential knowledge and practical skills required to launch and run a successful viticulture business.

Horticulture Students and Graduates: Students and graduates of horticulture programs can specialize further in viticulture, opening up new career pathways within the broader field of horticulture.

Wine Importers and Distributors: Professionals involved in the import and distribution of wine can benefit from a deeper understanding of the production process, enabling them to better assess quality and build stronger relationships with producers.

Tourism and Hospitality Professionals: Individuals working in wine tourism, hospitality, and related fields can enhance their expertise, providing richer experiences and insights to clients and guests interested in viticulture and winemaking.

Researchers and Academics: Those involved in agricultural research or academic teaching can expand their knowledge base, contributing to the advancement of viticulture science and education.

Whether you are looking to advance your career, start a new business, or simply enrich your personal knowledge, the Certificate in Horticulture (Viticulture) offers the expertise and credentials needed to succeed in the dynamic world of grape growing and winemaking. Enroll today and embark on a journey towards mastering the art and science of viticulture.