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CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE VHT002

  • Duration (approx) 700 hours
  • Qualification Certificate

Course Description

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). It was originally developed as an accredited trade level course in Australia.
  • It is constantly being revised to keep it up to date & relevant, by an international team of highly qualified horticulture professionals (each with a minimum of 8 years experience - including degree level or equivalent training) 

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

Student Comment:

“[ACS] has been a truly invaluable learning experience for me. I want you to know that I have learnt so much from all of your constructive input and guidance throughout each lesson of the course. I am very appreciative of you sharing your knowledge, explaining to me and helping me to think and write more in depth, to express myself clearly and to be concise. You have helped me to understand where my strengths and weaker aspects lie. Thank you for getting my assignments back to me as promptly as you have and Thank-you for making this course so enjoyable.”    Malcom Dorey, Certificate in Horticulture

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

 

MEET THE TEAM

The academics involved in development and teaching this course are a team of experts who each bring a different area of specialised horticultural knowledge. Because we are constantly reviewing ands updating the course with such diverse input; it has become a uniquely relevant and industry focussed course that teaches the things that employers and clients need from today's horticulturists. Here are some of the team who have contributed to what this course is:

Alison Bundock  Ass.Dip.Hort., B.A., Grad.Dip.Hort.

Paul Plant  B.App.Sc.(Hort Tech), Dip Tech. Teaching

Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt, Adv.Dip.Hort.

Timothy Walker  B.A.(Botany),  RHS.M. Hort., Post.Grad.Dip.Ed.

John Mason  Dip.Hort.Sc., Parks Supn Cert. Adv.Cert.Mgt.

Dr Janet Hussein M.Sc, PhD.

Iain Harrison  Dip.Hort.Sc.

Mark James  B.App.Sc., Dip.App.Sc., Adv.Cert.Hort.

Diana Cole B.A.Hons, Higher Dip.Gdn Des., RHS Adv.Cert.Hort., Cert.Admin.Mgt.,

Maggi Brown RHS Cert Hort, Cert.Ed, Life Member of Garden Organic (UK)

Dr Lynette Morgan B.Hort.Sc., PhD

 

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

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.
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.
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...
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.

Course Enquiry

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