Learn to propagate plants commercially and efficiently.

Plants are propagated both sexually (from two parents eg. seed & spore) and asexually (from two parents eg. cuttings, grafting, layers, division). This course deals with the principles of propagation, and all of these methods; as well as materials and equipment.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Propagation
   • Asexual and sexual propagation, plant life cycles, nursery production systems
2. Seed Propagation
3. Potting Media
4. Vegetative Propagation I
   • Cuttings
5. Vegetative Propagation II
   • Care of stock plants; layering, division and other techniques
6. Vegetative Propagation III
   • Budding and grafting, tissue culture
7. Propagation Structures and Materials
   • Greenhouses, propagating equipment
8. Risk Management
   • Nursery hygiene, risk assessment and management
9. Nursery Management I
   • Plant modification techniques, management policies
10. Nursery Management II
    • Nursery standards, cost efficiencies, site planning and development

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.

• Plan the propagation of different plant species from seeds, using different seed propagation methods.
• Plan the propagation of different types of plants from cuttings, using different cutting propagation methods.
• Plan the propagation of various types of plants using a range of propagation techniques, excluding cuttings and seed.
• Determine the necessary facilities, including materials and equipment, required for propagation of different types of plants.
• Determine a procedure to minimise plant losses during propagation.
• Determine the management practices of significance to the commercial viability of a propagation nursery.
• Design a propagation plan for the production of a plant.

• Test soils to determine characteristics which would be valuable to management of any given soil in a horticultural situation
• Identify sandy loam, silty loam, and clay loam soils by feel; and pH testing by soil indicator; and relate to plant selection
• Identify and sow a range of different types of seeds, in different situations, in a way that will optimise successful propagation.
• Propagate a range of plants using different vegetative propagation techniques
• Pot up and provide after care for a range of propagated seedlings and cuttings.
• Plant a range of (different types) plant material.
• Maintain the desired growth type and habit for a range of plants.
• Identify significant woody plants including: Trees; Shrubs; Groundcover; & Conifers
• Identify a range of significant plant problems including pests, diseases and others.
• Identify a range of non woody and indoor plants of horticultural significance.
• Conduct a risk assessment of a horticultural workplace to determine safe working practices and select appropriate personal safety clothing and equipment.
• You will visit and contact various sites involved in propagation (real or virtual), including relevant workplaces. Through these visits the student will develop an awareness of workplaces and practical applications of the subject.