Propagation 600 Hours Diploma

There are 15 lessons in the first half (core):

1. Introduction to Plants
   • Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids.
2. Parts of the Plant
   • How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, stem & root modification.
3. Plant Culture - Planting
   • How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
   • Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune.
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
   • Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, selection, use and maintenance of machinery and tools.
6. Soils & Media
   • Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes.
7. Soils & Nutrition
   • Fertilisers - deficiencies and toxicities, NPK ratios, salting, fertiliser programming, compost.
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
   • How to propagate plants by seed and cuttings, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants.
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
   • Other methods - budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.
10. Identification and Use of Plants
    • How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site.
11. Identification and Use of Plants
    • Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.
12. Identification and Use of Plants
    • Indoor and tropical plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns.
13. Pests
    • Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions.
14. Diseases
    • Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non-pathogenic problems, interactions with the host and the environment.
15. Weeds
    • Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.

-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.