Professional Certificate in Horticulture Business

Module 1: Horticulture I

1. Plant Identification
2. Planting
3. Recognising Plant Families and Identifying Plants
4. Soils
5. Plant Nutrition
6. Water Management
7. Garden Maintenance and Weeds
8. Pests and Diseases
9. Pruning
10. Landscaping
11. Propagation
12. Lawns
13. Arboriculture

In this introductory module, you’ll learn how to identify plants and plant families, about pruning and landscaping, tree health and assessment and soil and plant nutrition. From water management and how to grow and maintain lawns, this module delivers a sound foundation into the world of horticulture.

Module 2: Horticultural Resource Management

1. Horticultural Business Structures 
2. Management Practices 
3. Horticulture and the Law
4. Staff Management
5. Supervision 
6. Financial Management 
7. Improving Plant Varieties
8. Productivity and Risk 
9. Managing Physical Resources
10. Developing a Horticultural Business Plan

This module is designed with the aim to teach you how to manage a horticulture business or enterprise, such as a nursery, park, garden, orchard, farm, or landscape business. You will learn about key management functions that are vital to succeed in horticulture resource management, such as financial management, leading a team and staff management. Learn about productivity and risk, potential legal issues relevant to horticulture, and how to develop a horticulture business plan.

Module 3: Horticulture II (Plant Knowledge)

1. The Groups of Plants
2. Use of Plants
3. Australian Native Plants
4. Exotic Ornamental Plants
5. Indoor and Tropical Plants
6. Bedding Plants
7. Vegetables
8. Fruits, Nuts and Berries
9. Herbs
10. Alternative Growing Techniques

This module is designed to further enhance your horticulture knowledge. You will explore the various groups of plants and where they are best used to successfully grow. From Australian natives to exotic ornamental, to indoor and tropical plants and bedding plants, you will discover what makes up these plant groups, how to grow them and how to care for them.

Module 4: Operational Business Management I (Horticulture)

1. The Economic Environment
2. External Influences on Horticultural Enterprise
3. Information Management for Horticulture
4. Strategic Planning in Horticulture
5. Implementing Strategies
6. Developing a Business Plan
7. Business Control Systems for Horticulture
8. Evaluating Horticultural Marketing
9. Marketing Strategies for Horticulture

This module offers insights into the economic environment and the external influences on horticultural enterprises. It covers information management specific to horticulture, strategic planning, and the implementation of these strategies. Additionally, you will learn about developing a business plan, controlling business systems, evaluating horticultural marketing, and crafting effective marketing strategies, all tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the horticultural industry.

Module 5: Operational Business Management II (Horticulture)

1. The Law and Horticulture 
2. Contract Law 
3. Employment Law 
4. Financial Management 
5. Staff Performance
6. Motivating Employees in Horticulture 
7. Management Case Study 

This module advances your expertise in the practical aspects of horticultural business management. It encompasses a thorough understanding of materials and equipment used in horticulture, including essential horticultural calculations and practical risk management. It also covers the assessment and maintenance of machinery and equipment, propagation management and both hard and soft landscape maintenance. Additionally, you'll gain practical skills in plant identification techniques, pest, disease and weed control, and identifying plant tissues, along with planning and managing the needs of horticultural sites.