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Crops Courses

Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Crops) Duration icon 900 hours Qualification icon Advanced Certificate Modules icon 9 modules

Marketing, selling and value adding to your crops is as important as knowing how to cultivate them.

 

This course is broad based, it extends your ability to make a profit or gain employment more easily then if you specialised in one crop. The management aspects allows you to understand the entire crop growing process - from planting through to sales.
This course develops both the skills required to manage a horticultural farm (eg. Market Garden, Orchard), and also the knowledge in the identification, growing, processing and marketing crops and crop related products. This course involves seven units, plus a 200 hr workplace project. There are four core units common to all streams of this Advanced Certificate (ie.  Management, Business Operations, Office Practices and Marketing Foundations), and three specialist units relating to crop production.

 

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C.

 

Use the link below ('read more') to view more comprehensive details on this course.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Crops)

Advanced Diploma In Horticulture (Crops) Duration icon 2500 hours Qualification icon Advanced Diploma

Don't be restricted by courses that focus on only single aspects of this diverse area of horticulture. Diversity is the key to success in crop production and employers seek people with broad skills and knowledge. 

Management, business management, marketing, horticultural science, technical skills, a variety of crops, hydroponics, plant protection - this course covers all these aspects of crop production (and a lot more) at management level. A comprehensive course formulated so you gain knowledge on all aspects of crop business management. It is designed for people wanting to work in this field, or for those looking to advance their careers in managerial or higher technical positions, within the horticultural crop industry.


 

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C.

Use the link below ('read more') to view more comprehensive details of this course.

 

 

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Advanced Diploma In Horticulture (Crops)

Berry Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

Study Berry Growing at Home - Now available online!

Grow berries for the table or to sell - this course is equally applicable to the backyard enthusiast or to the commercial grower.

Covering all aspects of the propagation, care and cultivation of common (and uncommon) berry fruit; with the opportunity to specialise to some degree in one type of berry.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Berry Production

Certificate In Horticulture (Crops) Duration icon 700 hours Qualification icon Certificate

Looking for a course that covers all aspects of this field?

This course does that as well as giving you the confidence to make decisions in the field. This is more than most certificates offered by others - at certificate level most courses will allow you, on completion, to 'work under supervision'. Our 'problem based learning' style gives you the edge - it gives you the ability to make informed decisions - drawing on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course.

This provides you with far more opportunities for advancement than other courses on offer at this level will.

A course for people working, or intending to work, in orchards or market gardens. This course is similar to other VHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to crop production. The Core Units are divided into the following sections:

  1. Introduction to Plants - Taxonomy, plant families, pressing plants, basic botany.
  2. Plant Culture - Planting, potting, plant selection, pruning, irrigation, tools and machinery.
  3. Soils and Nutrition - Soil structure, chemistry, nutrition, potting media.
  4. Plant Identification and Use - Seed harvesting and storage, germination treatments, cuttings, etc.
  5. Pests, Diseases and Weeds - Identification and treatment (chemical and non-chemical)

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Certificate In Horticulture (Crops)

Certificate In Horticulture (Cut Flowers) Duration icon 700 hours Qualification icon Certificate

 

 

Want to work on or set up a cut flower farm but need to acquire knowledge in the key areas of horticulture?   This course offers the well rounded knowledge required to work in this field.

Specialisation is key to cut flower production, however the fundamentals of horticulture are also important to all areas of plant growing.

This course covers both the general fundamentals in its core units and specialises in cut flowers in the stream units.

A 700 hr course for people working or wanting to work in the area of cut flower production. This course is similar to other VHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to the production and marketing of cut flowers. The Core Units are the same as for the above certificates (ie. Introduction to Plants, Plant Culture, Soils and Nutrition, Plant Identification and Use, Pests, Diseases and Weeds).

Accredited through International Accreditation & recognition Council

Use the link below ('read more') to view more comprehensive details of this course.


 

 
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Certificate In Horticulture (Cut Flowers)

Certificate In Horticulture (Organic Plant Growing) Duration icon 600 hours Qualification icon Certificate

Organic plants course.This 600 hour accredited course  focuses on the mainstream fundamentals of horticulture in the first half of the course and leads on to organic plant growing methods in the second half. This combination is rarely offered through other institutions. 

Organic growing is the way of the future.

Understanding established methods of plant growing and how main stream horticulture deals with this eg. the pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers and general growing methods used, is of fundamental importance for a shift to organic growing.

To be truly informed, you need to know all the traditional and 'accepted' methods of plant growing as well as organic methods. This knowledge enables you to make informed and important decisions (for example) during farm conversion and understand what impact 'conventional' farming has on the land you farm, and on the health of the community and the ecology. At the very least it will enable you to understand, and convey to others, why you prefer organics as your chosen method of plant culture.

This course is similar to other VHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to organic growing. The Core Units comprise fifteen lessons covering: Introduction to Plants, Plant Culture, Soils and Nutrition, Plant Identification and Use & Pests, Diseases and Weeds. A fantastic course for the Horticulturalist who sees organic growing as the right way to grow.

Accredited through International Accreditation & Recognition Council.

Use the link below ('read more') to view more comprehensive details of this course.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Certificate In Horticulture (Organic Plant Growing)

Certificate In Horticulture (Viticulture) Duration icon 700 hours Qualification icon Certificate

 

Study viticulture relevant to your region.

Can't find a viticulture course relevant to your region or a region you may want to move to in the future? Don't know what region would suit you best? Want to understand the fundamentals of grape growing, the correct climate, the appropriate trellis systems, the right soils, how to prune and care for grape vines? This course enable you to do just that.

 It also covers the fundamentals of general horticulture, to give you a strong knowledge base from which to draw on.

Thirty years of experience in distance education has enabled us to develop learning systems to accommodate the learning needs of anyone, anywhere. This course has been written to make it relevant world-wide.

A 600 hr course for people working, or intending to work, in the production of grapes. This course is similar to other CVHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to the production of grapes for wine, drying or as fresh fruit.

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

Accredited through the International Accreditation & Recognition Council

Use the link below ('read more') to view more comprehensive details of this course.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Certificate In Horticulture (Viticulture)

Commercial Organic Vegetable Growing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 12 lessons

“Learn the processes required to tap into the commercial organic vegetable market; this extensive course provides a wealth of knowledge and practical skills and shows you how to market your produce. Organic vegetables are crops with a future.” - Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert 1V Assessment and Training, Adv.Dip.Hort., ACS Tutor.

The demand for organically grown vegetables is currently a major growth area in commercial horticulture. This course is a good starting point in learning all aspects of organic vegetable production. There is a strong emphasis on organic principals and each lesson goes through ways to adapt them to everyday vegetable production. It is similar to the Organic Plant Culture course, but has more emhpisis on vegetables and methods for commercial production.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Commercial Organic Vegetable Growing

Commercial Vegetable Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

Develop skills and knowledge required for commercial vegetable production, including a variety of production methods. This is a very sound 100 hour foundation course in general vegetable production. (Note: Do not undertake Commercial Organic Vegetable Growing as well as this. The two courses do overlap)
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Commercial Vegetable Production

Cut Flower Bulbs Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

Have you always wanted to know more about growing your own flowers from bulbs? And would you like to do it commercially? This is a course designed for the flowering bulb enthusiast or the commercial bulb grower supplying the cut flower market. There are ten lessons in this course with loads of practical skills to get you inspired and to get you growing! You will learn the basics of horticultural management covering soil types, plant nutrition, pest and diseases. It also covers the various types of bulbs used for production and in the home garden.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Cut Flower Bulbs

Cut Flower Orchids Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

Would you like to grow orchids for the markets?
Orchids are one of the most commercially viable cut flower crops (partially due to their beauty, and also due to their long shelf life). Learn how to produce orchid flowers for the cut flower trade! Orchids occur naturally from very cold temperate climates through to tropical locations; and provided you choose appropriate species and treat them according to location, it is feasible to grow orchids as cut flowers almost anywhere.

 

 

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Cut Flower Orchids

Cut Flower Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

Grow Cut Flowers Commercially or Train to work in the Flower Trade


ACS Graduate comment:  I consider that my success in recent years is directly related to the training I have done with the ACS. The materials were spot on, and the tutors were superb....(read more of Lana's inspiring story that includes owning breeders rights to a specific Flannel Flower and running a successful export business )

ACS student comment:  I am enjoying my course and it has given me an understanding of what I need to do once I have completed my course.  I find the course to a valuable learning experience. I am able to do it in my own time (I have young children) and the learning is interesting.  Melanie Sumpter, Australia - Cut Flower Production course.

Over recent decades cut flower growing has experienced rapid expansion in increasingly affluent countries. This has resulted in an increased demand for training in the skills and knowledge required by the industry. The course provides a thorough basic training for the commercial cut flower grower.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Cut Flower Production

Fruit Production - Temperate Climate Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

Get Serious about Fruit Growing

An eight lesson course that starts by introducing the fruit growing industry, and moves through most of the skills needed for successful fruit growing in a serious way. Topics covered include management, soils, planting, irrigation, pruning, cultural practices (including pest control), pome and stone fruits, and various vines, fruit trees and nuts.

Study Fruit Growing, at home, at your own pace

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Fruit Production - Temperate Climate

Fruit Production - Warm Climate Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

There are hundreds of different tropical fruits. Start here to explore their potential and learn how to grow them.

This is a course designed for people who want to have a successful warm climate orchard, to develop  skills in the establishment and management of commercial fruit production for warm climates. Similar to the temperate fruit course, but adapted to cover tropical and sub-tropical conditions. The course includes sections on Avocados, Pineapples, Macadamias, Paw Paws,  Cashews, and lots more.

"Tropical Fruits can provide food all year round: an amazing resource for both the commercial orchardist or home owner who is trying to become more self sufficient. This course is unique; developed and taught by highly qualified horticulturists with a wealth of experience -enrol and learn from the experts.” - John Mason Dip.Hort.Sci., Supn.Cert., FIOH, FAIH, FPLA; Garrden author, consultant, educator for over 40 years.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Fruit Production - Warm Climate

Greenhouse Cut Flowers Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 12 lessons

ENHANCE YOUR GREENHOUSE CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION

A course for commercial cut flower growers who are concerned exclusively with greenhouse production. International trade in cut flowers has grown over recent decades. In most countries, developed or in development, it is now possible to get the most popular types of cut flowers almost any time of the year.


 

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Greenhouse Cut Flowers

Irrigation - Crops Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

 “Whilst sharing similarities with other irrigation courses, this highly functional and practical course also has a specific focus on the irrigation of crops. It will be of interest to anyone who grows, or who wishes to grow, crops whether on a large or small scale. All aspects of irrigation from system types and design to pumps and filters are discussed, in light of soil characteristics, drainage, and plant requirements.” - Gavin Cole B.Sc., Psych.Cert., Cert.Garden Design, MACA, ACS Tutor.

A ten lesson course that covers the design, installation, maintenance, operation and evaluation of simple irrigation systems. This course is similar to BHT210 and BAG213, but focuses on irrigation systems for row crops (eg. vegetables & cut flowers) and orchards.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Irrigation - Crops

Mushroom Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

Ever wanted to grow mushrooms and didn’t know where to start?  This course is unique and has been evolving over 20 years with a serious revision every 1 to 2 years, since it was first developed. The most commonly grown mushroom worldwide is Agaricus (The Champignon); and for that reason, more attention is given to that type of mushroom. Other commercially grown mushrooms are reviewed in most lessons as well, in order to give the student a broad understanding of how to cultivate all types of commercial fungi. As the student develops this foundation in understanding fungal growth, and commercial techniques; their capacity to grow any type of edible fungi will increase.

This course improves your ability to grow mushrooms on either a small or large scale; and both broadens and deepens your knowledge of growing, harvesting, marketing, storage, pest and diseases and even ways of cooking and using mushrooms.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Mushroom Production

Nut Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 9 lessons

Nut production

Learn to Grow Nuts by Distance Education

For the enthusiast or commercial grower.

A detailed study on nut growing with the opportunity to specialise, to some degree, according to your interests.

Nuts can be grown in most parts of the world - there are species suited to a variety of climates.

Nuts are an exceptionally valuable food crop that can be harvested and stored for long periods and can also be processed into a variety of products. These characteristics make them particularly useful for commercial growers, for the home gardener, or those striving towards self sufficiency.

“Most nut crops have one big advantage over other crops -they don't deteriorate so fast if harvest or marketing is delayed. Whether grown as a main crop, or supplementary crop; nuts are well worth learning more about"     John Mason, Horticultural Author and Principal, ACS 

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Nut Production

Outdoor Plant Production (Crops I) Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

HOW TO START A COMMERCIAL CROP PRODUCTION ...
Designed to gain broad knowledge on outdoor crop production, from flowers to fruits and vegetables, this course is a basic step to start a commercial venture on many types of crops. The course consists of ten lessons that cover site selection, crop selection, soil management, cut flowers, vegetables, berries, nuts, herbs, tree fruits, other crops, managing a market garden and more.

Student comment (M.Simpson): "This course has been excellent.... I would be willing to recommend this course to any of my friends and colleagues"

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Outdoor Plant Production (Crops I)

Protected Plant Production Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

Learn how to manage your production with less pest and disease problems. Develop your broad understanding of practices and processes involved in successful plant cropping  in greenhouses or other protective structures.
Develop a clear understanding of environmental control and plant growth within a protective environment, together with a practical knowledge of plant husbandry techniques.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Protected Plant Production

Soil Management (Crops) Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 7 lessons

Study Soil Structure, Learn about fertility, and Understand how to Manage Soil for Sustainable Crop Production

Good soil conditions are critical to the healthy growth of most plants. Over eight lessons this course will develop an understanding of physical & chemical properties of soils, the ability to carry out simple tests and determine soil characteristics, and to decide ways of treating a soil to improve its ability to grow plants. The course is specifically designed for crop production.

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Soil Management (Crops)

Viticulture Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

Do you want to learn about viticulture?

This course will help you develop an ability to select and cultivate appropriate varieties of grapes in different situations, and provide the knowledge to make informed decisions about the management of a vineyard.
 
ACS Graduate comment: "[The course] gave me extra knowledge of the industry that I am currently working in. It covered all aspects of the industry. I liked the way you had to work through each lesson/category i received excellent feedback from my tutor. I enjoyed the viticulture course, it has given me extra knowledge that i will use." James McKelvey, Vineyard Manager, Australia, Viticulture course.
 
There are ten lessons covering the history of viticulture, the current state of the industry, wine and table grapes, dried grapes, cultural practices (trellising, soils, planting, pruning, irrigation, pests & diseases); vineyard design, improving quality, harvest & post harvest procedures, winemaking, marketing and more.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Viticulture

Warm Climate Nuts Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

“We have a lot of interest in this great course. One student chose to study this course while he was living in Europe, with the plan to move to a warm climate and grow his own food. It would be hard to find a course on Warm Climate Nuts that is more in-depth.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming, ACS Tutor.

The content of this course is very similar to the Nut Production course, except this deals exclusively with nuts grown in the tropics and sub-tropics. There are eight lessons including a special project in this course. This course is designed as a detailed look at identification and culture of nuts in warmer climates. Emphasis is placed on the species that are of horticultural value. There are many nuts that you would not be aware of coming from the various cultures of the tropics, that are of great interest to our use today.
Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Warm Climate Nuts
 

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