Introduction to Professional Horticulture -Online Course
ACS student comment: "Yes, [the course has been a valuable learning experience] definitely. I’m learning a lot of things that I find useful straight away, and there are lessons that I can practically apply to help me to learn." Rowena Headlam, Australia - Horticulture 1 course.
This course has been running since 1979
- Revised and upgraded every year
- Learn ALL the basics -and have a foundation that makes learning on the job much easier
- Build your contacts in the industry, be tutored by internationally renowned garden experts
- Thousands Have Started their Horticulture Career Here!
COURSE STRUCTURE
There are twelve lessons in this course, as follows:
1. Plant Identification: Naming plants; distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid; identifying the different parts of a flower; distinguishing the morphological characteristics of leaves.
2. Planting: Planting methods used for different types of plants including annuals, perennials, evergreen and deciduous plants; influence of environmental factors on planting techniques.
3. Soils: Classifying soils; sampling and testing soils; chemical and physical properties of soils; soil improvement techniques; composting; potting mixes.
4. Nutrition: Major and micro elements necessary for plant growth; nutrient deficiencies and toxicities; fertilisers.
5. Water Management: Irrigation systems – characteristics, advantages and disadvantages; drainage systems; waterwise gardening.
6. Pruning: Pruning techniques; importance of pruning to growth, flowering and fruiting; pruning tools.
7. Weeds: Identifying common weeds; characteristics of weeds; control techniques; herbicides.
8. Pests and Diseases: Identifying common insect and disease problems; control methods; 
Integrated Pest Management; pesticides; hygiene procedures; chemical safety.
9. Landscaping: Stages of landscaping; design procedures; collating pre-planning information; preparing plans; selecting plants for specified sites.
10. Propagation: Asexual and sexual propagation; taking cuttings; sowing seeds; aftercare of propagated plants.
11. Lawns: Turf grass varieties; laying a new lawn; cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.
12. Arboriculture: Tree management techniques including pruning, removal and tree surgery; identifying tree problems.
(Note: Online and CD versions may vary slightly)
COURSE AIMS
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.
WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE
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.
Duration: 100 hours
How the payment Options Work
You can be either pay fees in one or two parts.
- If paying in 2 parts, the first part is paid on enrolment, and the second part two months later (You are sent a bill when you enrol).
- If you pay the full fee on enrolment, we offer a discounted fee (commonly around 8% lower)
Introducing our School
ACS was established in 1979 by John Mason, who at the time was lecturing for various colleges (TAFE, Higher Education, University) Community Centers and Council of Adult Education in Australia.
High standards were adopted from the start; for example:
- Tutors hold a 3 year, full time post secondary qualification (outside education)
- Tutors have 5 years relevant experience
- Courses (modules or short courses) are 100 hours duration
- Certificates are generally 600 hours
By adhering to standards ACS has built sound credentials and is regarded and recognized highly by academics and industry professionals globally.
Our philosophy is relatively simple, but not always common in education today:
We believe education should aim to improve a student’s capacity to understand and develop in their chosen field of study; and that a course is a starting point that lays a foundation for future development. We believe quality education requires real life interaction between the teacher and student; and restricting access to tutors can devalue the quality of a course. Education is not just about information (any book or web site can provide that). Good education is a carefully contrived and delivered learning experience that changes the student, improving their ability to function within the discipline they study.
Graduates from ACS have been successful in all types of vocational situations, winning jobs and developing careers in academic positions, through to small business and trades.
We welcome the opportunity to talk (or communicate via email) with any prospective student before they enroll with us. Let us help you make the best choice of course. There are many well established facts regarding education which people often discover when it is too late, for example:
- Over 60% of people do not end up working in the field they studied (even university degree graduates)
- Most people who commence courses (college, polytechnic, TAFE, university) never complete them.
- While some people can earn big money in “some” professions, a qualification is rarely a guarantee for big earnings.
- Being successful in business requires a certain personality type as well as other things
- Most accredited courses take years to develop and approve –which in today’s fast paced world often means they are out of date before you graduate.
Our staff know their industries, and before you even enroll, they can provide very unique insights that can be a great help in helping you choose something that is appropriate and useful for your needs.
