New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)

Summary

About the programme

This new programme will get your green fingers working whether you want to grow vegetables at home or pursue a career on the land.

You might want to move on to study landscape design, become an arborist, get started in the nursery or fruit and vegetable growing industries, or simply learn a little more about your own backyard garden. Whatever you want to achieve, the NZ Certificate in Horticulture help start you on your journey.

The programme is available in both Westport and Greymouth with flexible hours and learning available. A blended mix of class and online study, (plus all the benefits of campus facilities and support) you can make your study suit your lifestyle.

You'll learn propagation techniques (how to successfully grow plants from seedlings and cuttings), industry best practice, how different soils and fertilisers help plants to grow, sustainable growing practices, pest control, weed control, pruning, landscaping and plant naming.

It's a great way to get started in a horticultural career and you'll get support and encouragement to follow your learning and career pathway.

Studying part-time

We know full-time study isn't always possible. This programme is also available part-time. This option involves one day's self-directed online learning per week, one day's tutor-guided learning a week (either face to face or online) and one day's practical learning on site (which can be at the weekend, depending on a minimum number of students).

Core elements

This programme of study includes a range of topics relevant to a range of horticulture enterprises, such as;

• Propagation of plants including budding, grafting and layering
• Plant nursery practices
• Soils and fertilisers and how this influence plant growth
• Sustainable soil practices for horticulture
• Identifying, preventing and controlling plant pests, diseases and disorders
• Identifying weeds and exploring ways to control them
• Techniques for pruning and training plants
• How to select plants for landscaping
• How plants are named

Further study options

This qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with strands in Amenity, Arboriculture, Cemetery, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, and Sports Turf.

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) with strands in Amenity, Arboriculture, Cemetery, Fruit Production, Indoor Crop Production, Outdoor Vegetable Production, Landscape Construction, Nursery Production, Post-Harvest, Sports Turf.

Career opportunities

This qualification provides an entry point for people to move into a career in a range of horticulture areas - such as, fruit or vegetable growing, nursery work, and general gardening.

On completing this qualification, you will be better prepared to successfully operate your own horticulture enterprise or to better manage your current horticulture business or lifestyle block.