Distance Education Course in Horticulture -Learn the principles, practices and plant identification
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 the career starting point for thousands of successful gardeners and horticulturists (since 1979 - revised and updated annually).
By itself, it sets you on the right course to doing everything properly from pruning, weeding and feeding plants to plant identification and selecting the right plant for the job: whatever that job might be.
If you are only going to study one short course, and you are wanting to make a success of working in horticulture ....this is probably the one to take!
Comment from John Mason (author or 40 books, former Parks Director, nurseryman and Landscaper & prinipal of ACS):
"This course provides a foundation for life, as a professional or amateur gardener. It doesn't just teach you things; it provides a framework that makes further learning easier, and more on track. Without a course like this, it is easy to misundersand what you read and observe; and as a result, you simply don't become as good at growing plants"
Please note - the online version is 13 lessons and the traditional version 12 but the two courses cover exactly the same material.
Lesson Structure
There are 13 lessons in this course:
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Plant Identification
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Naming plants
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Distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid
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Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons
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Characteristics of Botanical Families
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Structure and Arrangement of leaves and leaflets
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Leaf terminology
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Leaf Arrangements
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Flower Structure and identifying the different parts of a flower
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How seeds form
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Plant Reviews
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Collecting and Pressing Plants for Herbaria
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Planting
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Garden terminology
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Common garden problems
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Basic Planting Procedure
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Fertilising and Staking when planting
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Dealing with BaZre Rooted Plants
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Time of Planting
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Deciding where to plant
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Mulching
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Making Garden Beds
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Raised Beds
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Sunken Beds
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Planting Terminology
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Recognising Plant Families and Identifying Plants
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Becoming familiar with plant families
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Botanical Latin
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Systematic Examination of Plants -dicot or monocot, type of wood, etc
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Characteristics of important families including: Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Ericaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae.
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Getting to Know More Common Families
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Other Ways to Identify Plants
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Plants for Shade
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Plants for Exposed Conditions
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Plants for Inner City Gardens
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Soils
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Purpose of Soil
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Soil Structure: Classifying soils
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Soil water and air
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Soil temperature
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Soil pH
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Nutrient Availability
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Naming a Soil
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Improving Soils
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Composting
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Natural Plant Foods
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Sampling and testing soils
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Potting soil mixes
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Soil Terminology
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Plant Nutrition
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The Nutrient Elements
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Major Elements
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Minor Elements
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Diagnosis of Nutrient Problems
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Fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
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How much fertilizer to apply
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Terminology
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Water Management
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Introduction to Irrigation
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Feasibility of Irrigation
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Soil and Water
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When to Irrigate
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Water Deficiency Symptoms
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Types of Soil Moisture; gravitational, capillary, hygroscopic
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Measuring Water Available to Plants
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Rooting depths of plants
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Estimating Water Requirements
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Pumps, Sprinklers and other equipment
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Understanding Hydraulics
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Conventional Sprinkler Systems; portable, permenant, semi permenant
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Cyclic Watering
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Pulse Watering
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Irrigation scheduling
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Sprinkler spacing
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Improving Soils for Water Management
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Drainage
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Erosion Management
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Soil compaction
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Acidification
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Garden Maintenance and Weeds
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Cost of Garden Maintenance
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Machinery
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Comparing more and less costly areas of the garden.
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Common Weeds and their Identification
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Weed Control Methods -Chemical and non chemical
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Plants that become Invasive
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Environmental Weeds
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Pests and Diseases
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Pest and Disease overview
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Preventative measures for managing pest and disease
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Review of major pest problems and control options: Aphis, Borers, Caterpillar, Leaf Miner, Mealy Bug, Red Spider, Scale, etc
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Review of major Diseases and their control: Anthracnose, Black Leg, Rots, Botrytis, Damping off, Die back, Mildew, Rust etc.
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Diagnosis of Problems
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Introduction to Plant Pathology and Entomology
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Chemical pesticides and basic toxicology
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Integrated Pest Management
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Pruning
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Reasons for Pruning
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Identifying bud types
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Basic rules of pruning
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Pruning in a home orchard
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Terminology
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Winter PruningPruning tools
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Examples of Winter Pruning; Crepe Myrtle, Hydrangea, Raspberry, Fuchsia, Kiwi Fruit, Grevillea, etc
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Rose Pruning
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Landscaping
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Introduction and Pre Planning Information
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Plant Selection Criteria
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Covering the Ground
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Living Plant Cover
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Mulches
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Container Growing Outside
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General Considerations
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Terminology
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Propagation
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Methods of Propagation: Seed Propagation and Vegetative Propagation
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Propagation Structures: Cold Frames
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Cutting Propagation
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Factors affecting rooting of cuttings
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Lawns
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Turf grass varieties
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Review of common turf species
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Laying a new lawn
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Common turf problems
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Cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.
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Arboriculture
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What is Arboriculture
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How to keep trees healthy
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Where and how to cut trees to remove branches or prune
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Why remove a tree
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Ways to fell a tree
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Removing a stump
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Tree surgery; terms and techniques
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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Distinguish between different plants, to enable identification of the plant species.
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Explain appropriate procedures for establishing a range of plants in different conditions.
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Describe the characteristics of plant growing media necessary for healthy plant growth.
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Explain the characteristics of plant nutrition necessary for healthy plant growth.
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Determine appropriate water management procedures for healthy plant growth.
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Understand appropriate procedures for pruning plants on a horticultural site.
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Determine solutions for the management of a range of common weeds.
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Determine solutions for the management of a range of common pests and diseases.
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Prepare a concept plan for the development of a garden.
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Understand commonly used plant propagation techniques.
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Develop guidelines for general lawn care.
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Develop guidelines for general tree care in a horticultural situation.
What You Will Do
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Distinguish between plants in order to identify at least 120 plants on plant review sheets.
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Plant out a container plant following a recommended procedure.
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Sample and carry out simple tests on different soils.
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Identify a range of nutrient problems in plants.
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Identify a range of pest and disease problems in plants.
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Demonstrate the correct procedure for pruning a plant.
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Identify a range of different plants, based on their flower and leaf structures.
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Determine appropriate procedures for planting according to type of plant and site.
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Demonstrate knowledge of how to care for plants in the garden.
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Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate plant selection for a range of different sites.
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Identify a range of plant health problems and describe appropriate chemical and non-chemical control methods to control those problems.
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Identify characteristics of plant growing media necessary for healthy plant growth.
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Explain the importance of organic matter in soil management.
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Describe the principles and techniques of composting.
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Determine nutrient problems and describe chemical and non-methods for overcoming these problems.
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Identify management solutions to a range of plant problems including weeds, pests and diseases.
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Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
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Determine appropriate water management practices applicable to plant growth.
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Describe the characteristics of irrigation and drainage systems.
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Describe the importance of pruning to plant growth, flowering and fruiting.
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Describe safe use of chemicals.
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Develop criteria for selecting suitable plants for a landscape project.
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Prepare concept plans for landscape redevelopment.
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Draw a concept plan for a garden redevelopment.
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Demonstrate the correct procedure for taking cuttings from a range of plants.
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Distinguish between different pre-germination seed requirements and techniques, for different plant species.
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Determine appropriate turf species for different purposes and chosen climatic conditions.
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Explain the composition of lawn seed mixes and fertilizers.
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Observe and report on lawn management techniques.
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Determine solutions to lawn problems.
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Explain the cause and effect of common tree problems.
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Determine appropriate methods for treating tree problems.
Where Can this Course Lead?
Thousands of people have studied this course. Many now run their own successful garden, landscaping or nursery businesses or farms. Others work on golf courses, for parks departments, on orchards, vineyards, or for garden supply or service companies. Some have gone on to be successful in the media, and others have used this course to lay a foundation for further studies.
THE TUTORS
Learn from an international team or renowned horticultural experts led by John Mason, Fellow Institute of Horticulture (UK), Fellow Australian Institute of Horticulture, Fellow Parks and Leisure Australia. John is also a former nurseryman, parks director, and is one of the most prolific gardening authors from Australia -many of his books being used by other schools and universities to teach horticulture across Australia and beyond.A unique opportunity to connect and learn from our international faculty that includes Rosemary Davies (formerly Garden Advisory Service, and Age Garden Writer, Melbourne), Maggi Brown (former Education officer for Garden Organic, UK), Gavin Cole (former Operations Manager for the Chelsea Gardener, London), and Dr Lyn Morgan (renowned Hydroponic expert from New Zealand); and a host of other equally qualified professionals. See profiles of our faculty at http://www.acs.edu.au/about-us/staff/default.aspx
NOTE: The traditional (printed notes) version of this course varies slightly to the online and e learning version. It only has 12 lessons, but throughout those lessons, you are given extra work related to plant knowledge. The learning overall though, is basically the same, no matter which version you undertake.
TIPS FOR A NEW GARDENER OR HORTICULTURAL STUDENT
To get the best start with gardening, there are two simple steps:
• Select the right plants. If you choose plants that are difficult to grow in the conditions found in your garden – then you will have a lot of problems, and your garden will always be likely to struggle.
• Prepare your garden well, prior to planting. This includes improving the soil, or growing media, providing drainage and shade where required, completely all structural works, and removing weeds.
PREPARING YOUR GARDEN
Consider The Site
Does it have any particular problems which should be treated?
• Hard clay soils need to be loosened up by cultivation, or by adding soil conditioners such as lime or gypsum, or by incorporating organic matter, such as well rotted manures and compost.
• Sandy soils can sometimes dry out too easily or be low in nutrients. To overcome these problems add well rotted manures or compost, or wetting agents.
• Check soil pH (the degree of acidity or alkalinity). Most plants prefer a slightly acid or neutral soil (pH of about 6 to 7.5). Some plants such as Camellias, Azaleas, Daphne and Citrus prefer a pH that is a little more acid than this (less than 6), while other plants (eg. Lilacs) prefer a pH slightly more alkaline. Simple test kits can be readily obtained from nurseries, garden centers, etc. You can then either choose plants that like the pH of your soil/growing media, or you might alter the pH to suit the plants you wish to grow. pH can be raised by the addition of lime, or lowered by the addition of acidifying materials such as Manures, Sulphate of Ammonia, or Sulphur powder (only for small areas as it is relatively expensive).
• Provide wind breaks or channel winds with fences or planting, to both protect tender plants and ensure good ventilation (If the garden is totally enclosed, air movement is restricted, and that can result in an increase in diseases.
• If necessary, select plants to grow that will tolerate or even prefer periods of shade.
Building Up The Soil
Before you even start a new garden, make sure the soil is in top condition. Make sure drainage, nutrition, the soil type (e.g. sandy, clayey), and the structure of the soil is suitable for the plants you wish to grow. This may involve laying drainage pipes; applying fertilizers, gypsum (to improve the structure of clay soils) or lime; or digging in manure & compost. Thoroughly get rid of existing weeds.
Use Healthy Plants
Healthy plants are more likely to resist damage from pests and diseases, and more likely to recover if they are attacked. The roots and top growth of the plant should be well developed. There should be no deformed growths (eg: twisted, distorted leaves, swellings on roots). Avoid plants with badly marked leaves. Don't use plants contaminated with insects or other pests. Seeds and bulbs should be fresh, free of abnormal markings or any rots.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Remove any diseased fruit, flowers, leaves, or other plant parts, and burn them (do not compost them or let them lay on the ground!). Wash soil off paths, pavers, concrete areas - soil tracked from one area to another may spread disease. Sit plants in containers on stones or paving, or on top of a couple of bricks (not directly on top of soil). This minimises movement of pest and disease organisms from the soil up into the pot. Keep hoses, particularly the nozzles stored off the ground, ideally on 
a reel or rack to minimise contact with the ground where they may come in contact with disease organisms.
Maintain the Nutrition and Watering Needs of the Plant
Do not over water or underwater...both are as bad as each other! Over watering (waterlogging) is indicated by yellowing of the lower leaves, sometimes wilting and eventually dropping of the lower leaves. Under watering is indicated by browning of the tips and foliage generally, and at times by severe wilting and leaf drop. Lack of nutrients is indicated by a slow rate of growth, and in severe cases, by discolouration patterns on leaves.
In small gardens you need to keep the deepest roots moist; otherwise you will encourage roots to come to the surface in search of water. Do this by giving the garden a good soaking less often, rather than frequent light irrigations. A drip irrigation system is ideal for this purpose.
Inspect Plants Regularly for Evidence of Pest and Disease Problems
Look at the growing tips first. The young growth will indicate general vigor (or lack of it). The soft tips are also the area of the plant most commonly attacked. Look for die back, discolouration of leaves or wood, distortion of growth, rots, eaten or broken tissue. If pest or disease problems are noticed then treat them as soon as possible to prevent further decline in the health of the plant/s, and to minimise the likelihood of the problem spreading.
Choosing the Right Trees and Shrubs
Size is the first consideration, but definitely not the only consideration when you choose a plant for a small garden. Some small plants can be a real problem in a confined area, for example:
-Scent from strongly scented plants will not escape so readily in an enclosed garden.
-Small areas enclosed by brick or stone walls, or with paving can become heat traps
(this can allow plants that might be cold sensitive in your area, to be grown easier; but it can also increase the requirement those plants have for watering).
-Enclosed spaces are often poorly ventilated; and that can result in greater humidity and lower levels of carbon dioxide than what a more open garden might experience (these things can put stress on the health of some plants).
-In a smaller area, every square metre gets more intensive use, and that can mean such things as more damage by pets and increased soil compaction from people.
-Prickly or poisonous plants are more likely to be brushed in a confined area.
-Falling leaves, flowers or fruits are more likely to get to places where you do not want them.
-The density of foliage is more likely to impact upon light levels and ventilation.
-Sometimes the roots of some smaller plants may be more damaging than those of larger plants.
Any plant will always grow differently in different places.
Most trees and shrubs will grow slower and smaller in colder climates; so often something that might be inappropriate for a small garden in a mild temperate climate; might be acceptable in a cold temperate climate.
If you have a favourite tree or shrub, but don’t have the space to grow it; all hope is not lost.
There are often ways of treating plants to accomadate the space restrictions you confront. You might grow it in a tub; or just prune it to restrict its’ size. If the roots pose a problem, you might plant it in a confined position; where the root system is restricted form getting too large.
Making Big Plants Fit in Small Places
Trees that might ordinarily be too big for a small garden may still be able to be grown, using a technique to restrict the plant’s size. The most obvious way is to grow the tree in a tub; or to restrict the spread of roots or foliage by pruning. Many larger plants can be readily kept much smaller in this manner, for example as hedges, or as topiary specimens, or even as bonsai.
Root Control
If you confine roots to a particular soil volume, they can be kept from invading unwanted areas. This technique will also tend to reduce the overall size of the tree. Toot control may be affected by any of the following methods:
- Build a concrete wall under the ground
-Woven fabrics that restrict movement of roots (eg. root control bags).
-Thin plastic or metal barriers placed vertically down into the ground to prevent roots spreading outwards from the plant into areas where the they might be a problem (e.g. pipes, water features, paved areas). If the barrier reaches deep enough (ideally at least 50 - 60cm or more) then any roots that do go beneath the barrier are usually deep enough not to cause problems for paved areas.
Flexible Study with ACS Distance Education
ACS Distance Education is unique. We allow you to choose how you study, where you study, what you study, how much you study, and when you study.
- Work fast or slow –you choose the intensity of study
- Start, pause or restart according to changing demands of work, family or lifestyle.
- Study this course by itself; or combine with others for a qualification
- Mix and match modules so you only study what you want or need to learn -We allow you to construct your own “tailor made” certificates or diplomas
- Options in assignments allow you to focus on things with greater interest to you.
- Study electronically (online or using a CD); or using printed notes.
- Use (or don’t use) supplementary services for extra learning want –unlimited access to tutors, an online student room, social media, bookstore, etc
- Orientation video and student Manual at the start of your course will provide a clear guide to how you can study and get all sorts of support no matter where you live
