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CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE VHT002

Duration (approx) 700 hours
Qualification
Certificate

Develop Unique Skills for a Unique Career

This certificate provides a solid introduction to those looking to a career in horticulture.

  • Free student membership offered to Chartered Institute of Horticulture (UK) and Australian Institute of Horticulture
  • This course has been used internationally for trade level training since the 1990's (originally accredited in Australia, adopted for trade training in Bermuda, delivered by partner colleges on 4 continents)
  • Developed and taught by an international team of highly qualified horticulture professionals (with a minimum of 8 years experience - including degree level or equivalent training) 

Many hundreds of graduates over more than 3 decades have forged very successful businesses and careers , getting their start with this course.

You can see some of their stories on our Vimeo channel.

It's easy to enrol...

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A. CORE UNITS - to develop broad general skills in horticultural practices, and plant knowledge. All students undertaking this certificate will complete these units. The core units comprise approximately 50% of the course content. The core units consist of the following lessons:

  1. Introduction To Plants
  2. Parts of the Plant
  3. Plant Culture - Planting
  4. Plant Culture - Pruning
  5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery I
  6. Soils and Media
  7. Soils and Nutrition
  8. Seeds and Cuttings
  9. Other Techniques
  10. ID and Use of Plants - Landscape Application
  11. ID and Use of Plants - Problems
  12. ID and Use of Plants - Indoor/tropical plants
  13. Pests
  14. Diseases
  15. Weeds

B. STREAM UNITS - to develop specific skills in one specialised area of horticulture. This comprises the  remainder (approximately 50%) of the course. Stream units are currently available in the following areas.

Choose one from the following list.

Organic Plant Growing

Ornamental Horticulture

Landscaping and Garden Design

Crops

Cut Flowers

Grounds Management

Herbs

Horticultural Technology

Nature Park Management

Permaculture

Plant Protection

Propagation

Turf

Viticulture

Arboriculture

 

HOW THIS COURSE CAN HELP YOU

This course is the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to work in horticulture. The core studies provide a solid foundation in horticulture principles and practices, and the stream studies give you a chance to specialise in your preferred field. It is the ideal learning experience between higher level studies and introductory modules. Students will develop sufficient knowledge and skills to make them desirable to employers. The course is suited to a wide range of careers including those wishing to work in the following areas:

  • General horticulture
  • Parks & gardens
  • Garden maintenance
  • Soft landscaping
  • Garden centres
  • Nursery & propagation
  • Cut flower industry
  • Crops
  • Green keeping & lawn care

 

 
Amy started this certificate with us in 2023. Soon after, she secured her first full time job in horticulture with help from our staff. She completed the certificate in 2025, and then won a "Global Footprints" scholarship to study horticulture overseas.


START AT ANY TIME

All ACS Distance Education courses are studied by distance learning and are available to start at any time.

Practical and Problem Based Learning exercises feature in many of our courses. All students receive personal assignment feedback and support where required from our excellent tutors.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, get in touch with our specialist Horticulture tutors today. They will be pleased to answer your questions and discuss the different study options available to meet your goals.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Marie Beerman B.Sc.,M.Hort.Marie has been involved in horticulture since 2003. She completed a Masters degree in Horticulture at Hannover University in Germany in 2007, and has worked with ACS since 2011 She has co-authored of several ebooks including one on Roses and has a very sound knowledge and experience with horticultural science and research ranging from plant taxonomy and plant breeding to pest, disease and soil management.,
John Mason (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Nurseryman, Landscaper, Garden Writer, Parks Manager and Consultant. Over 45 years experience; working in Australia and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 100 books and editor for 4 different gardening magazines. John has been recognised by his peers being made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture in the UK, as well as by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.


Check out our eBooks

Organic GardeningFor decades farmers have relied upon chemicals to control pests and diseases in order to produce saleable crops. In the ornamental, vegetable and fruit gardens reliance on chemical controls has also been the mainstay for many gardeners.
Garden Design Part 1The Garden Design ebook part 1 is an essential handbook for students and landscape professionals. A foundation guide to garden design, this book provides stunning full illustrations to demonstrate tips and examples on garden design, functional uses and aesthetics. Some topics that are covered in this ebook include 1/ Introduction to Garden Design, 2/ Appropriateness of garden design, 3/ Creating an impact, 4/ Designing to a budget, 5/ Choosing plants, 6/ Using the garden, 7/ Where the garden meets the house, 8/ Making the winter garden more comfortable, 9/ Gardens for children, 10/The secure home and garden, 11/ Lighting a garden, 12/ Dealing with shade, 13/ Garden Art, 14/ Pots and planters, 15/ Colour in the garden, 16/ Applications for colour and 17/ Garden furniture.
Trees & Shrubs for Small GardensTurn even the smallest space into a great place. This e-book is an essential guide for any gardener who wants to make the most of a small garden, balcony, verandah or courtyard.
Plant Pests & DiseasesAre you one of those people that kill every plant you touch? Perhaps it's not you. Perhaps it's a pest or disease. A little bit of reading might just turn your garden into an oasis. Learn how to identify pests and diseases and bring the spring back into your plant...visit the bookshop to find out more...