Certificate in Horticulture
The OCA Certificate in Horticulture is one of the best starting points for your career in Horticulture. Developed with a high level of industry input during the 1990s, this course has since been revised by staff in Australia and the UK to ensure international relevance. Join the list of graduates from this 300-350 hour certificate course who have achieved outstanding career success. This Online Course provides a very strong foundation in general horticulture and graduates can continue on to further specialised training in areas such as propagation, arboriculture, organics, nursery, landscaping and garden design.
Career Prospects
- Nursery Worker.
- Arboriculture Worker.
- Farmer.
- Floriculturist.
- Gardener.
- Greens Keeper/Grounds Keeper.
- Landscape Gardener.
- Working in a farm supply or service business.
Course Delivery
This course is delivered 100% online. Upon enrolment students are issued with a login and password, providing access to OCA's e-learning centre. For a full demo of the OCA student experience from enrolment to graduation click here.
Recognition and Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive an OCA Certificate of Achievement in Horticulture. There are no pre-requisites to this course.
Units of Study
This course has 15 units of study.
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1. Plant Identification
- 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. Planting
- How to plant and protect newly planted specimens.
- Terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous.
- Evergreen and herbaceous plants.
4. Pruning
- Purpose for pruning.
- Rules for pruning.
- How to prune.
5. Irrigation and Machinery
- Different irrigation systems.
- Components of an irrigation system.
- Designing an irrigation system.
- Maintenance in the garden and for tools.
6. Soils & Media
- Soil classifications.
- Testing soil.
- Potting mixes.
- The U.C. System.
- Ingredients of potting mixes.
7. Soils & Nutrition
- Fertilisers - deficiencies and toxicities.
- N:P:K ratios.
- Salting.
- Fertiliser programming.
- Compost.
8. Seeds & Cuttings
- How to propagate plants by seed or cuttings.
- Propagating mixes.
- Cold frame construction.
- After care for young plants.
9. Other Propagation Techniques
- Other methods to increase plant numbers - budding, grafting, layering.
- Division and tissue culture.
10. Landscape Application
- How plants are used in the landscape.
- How to choose and purchase plants.
- Selecting plants suitable for the climate and site.
11. Problem Situations
- Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.
12. Indoor & Tropical 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.
How Long Does The Course Take?
This short course should take approximately 300 hours.
Each unit should take approximately 20-26 hours. Maximum 12 months access to this online course.
Course Costs
Purchase this course online and complete it at your own pace in your own time.
Pay Now
To purchase this course, simply click on add to cart.
Save at least 15% if paid in full
Pay Now Cost$1,499
Payment Plan
You may pay for this course via a flexible payment plan. To do so simply select this option and click on add to cart.
$99 Deposit
$50/Week for 40 Weeks
Total Payment Plan Cost $2099
