Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Plants

• Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids.

Parts of the Plant

• How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, stem & root modification.

Plant Culture – Planting

• How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.

Plant Culture – Pruning

• Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune.

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.

Soils & Media

• Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes.

Soils & Nutrition

• Fertilisers – deficiencies and toxicities, NPK ratios, salting, fertiliser programming, compost.

Propagation – Seeds & Cuttings

• How to propagate plants by seed and cuttings, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants.

Propagation – Other Techniques

• Other methods – budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.

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.

Identification and Use of Plants

• Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.

Identification and Use of Plants

• Indoor and tropical plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns.

Pests

• Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical
• Safety precautions.

Diseases

• Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non-pathogenic
• Problems, interactions with the host and the environment.

Weeds

• Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.