Horticulture Course

Do you have a passion for gardening that you want to turn into a career? Are you looking to learn more about the different varieties of plants and how to care for them? Take the next step in your professional journey with our online horticulture courses.

Whether you want to secure your dream job in horticulture or you’re a hobby gardener wanting to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject, our learning programme will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Explore our course breakdown below or enrol now to get started.

• Course Outline

  When you enrol on our online gardening courses, you will complete the following units of study:

  1	The Plant Kingdom

  The classification and taxonomic hierarchy of seed-bearing plants The use of botanical keys to identify plants Stages of plant growth and life cycles The structure and function of plant cells and tissues The processes of meiosis and mitosis The differences in the external and internal structure of monocotyledons and dicotyledons. The identification and function of the external vegetative parts of higher plants: roots, leaves, stems and buds The identification and function of flowers The identification and function of fruits and seed The importance of photosynthesis and respiration Transpiration and translocation of water throughout the plant Pollination and fertilisation Seed formation and germination Growth regulation

  2	Plant Propagation

  How to differentiate between plants produced by seed and plants produced by vegetative propagation methods Seed propagation Cutting propagation Propagation aftercare Layering Propagation tools Grafting Propagating plants in a greenhouse

  3	Outdoor Food Production

  Growing outdoor food crops Timing crops Making gardens more productive Sustainable land management Composting Companion planting Vegetable crowing Fruit crops Pests and diseases of crops Windbreaks Crop harvesting

  4	Garden Planning

  Collecting pre-planning information Preparing landscape plans The principles, elements and procedures of landscape design Creating landscape effects Using hard and soft landscaping materials.

  5	The Root Environment and Plant Nutrition

  The physical properties of soil Techniques for improving soil The importance of organic matter in the soil Soil water Watering systems Drainage systems Soil pH Carbon and nitrogen cycles Soil nutrients and their effect on plant growth Fertilisers Properties of growing media

  6	Protected Cultivation

  Protected cultivation Greenhouse types and shade houses Environmental controls in protected environments Irrigation and nutrition control Containers and growing media in protected environments Care and display of indoor plants Production of selected crops in protected cultivation (tomato, lettuce, begonia, rose).

  7	Horticulture Plant Selection, Establishment and Maintenance

  The selection of plants for different purposes Guidelines for selecting plants Environmental factors affecting plant selection Selecting particular plants (which ones to buy) Planting techniques Selection, establishment and maintenance of turf, annuals, herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, hedging plants and climbing plants Pruning in the home garden Mulching

  8	Horticultural Plant Health Problems

  Plant problems and their identification Pests Diseases Environmental problems Chemicals and their use Non-chemical controls Weed problems and their identification control

• How Will You Benefit?

  

  There are many benefits associated with studying our horticulture courses online. For example, you will: 

  • Fast track your career as a horticulturalist
  • Study a course that has been designed in consultation with senior professionals in the horticulture industry
  • Complete the course at your own pace, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments
  • Have your own personal tutor to answer questions and provide guidance
  • Save time and money by avoiding the need to attend in-person classes
  • Pay upfront for a 10% reduction in your course fee, or choose our interest-free weekly payment plan

  Discover the benefits for yourself by enrolling on our online horticulture courses.

• Career Prospects

  
  There are many diverse opportunities within the horticultural industry. Roles often require outdoor working, and as well as knowledge of horticulture itself, skills in areas such as design, science, planning and management are often highly valued.

  Career opportunities include:

  Arboriculture

  This involves the cultivation of trees, woody plants and shrubs. Associated tasks include everything from propagating to pruning, fertilising and controlling pests.

  Design

  Garden designers work to create spaces that are both practical and attractive. Often working to specific briefs provided by clients, they work on sites ranging from private gardens to public parks and reserves.

  Landscapers

  The landscaping business is thriving as homeowners seek to make the very most of their outdoor spaces. Garden landscapers often provide a wide variety of services, such as turfing, planting and pruning, as well as laying patios, decking, walkways and driveways.

  Nurseries

  Growing plants is foundational to horticulture, and nurseries are where this takes place. The plants grown may be intended for transplanting, used as stock for grafting and budding or sold to the public.

  Sports turf management

  This specialism refers to the growing and maintenance of special grasses for sports facilities such as football and cricket pitches and golf courses.

  You might want to work for an existing company involved in horticulture or set up your own company. There are opportunities to pursue both paths.

• Course Levels Explained

  Diploma

  Our horticulture course leads to the awarding of a Diploma. This qualification recognises the graduate’s capacity for initiative and judgement across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organizing others in the workplace.

• Prerequisites

  There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry onto this course. 

  So, if you have a love of gardening and want to advance your knowledge and skills in this area, simply enrol today.

• Course Length

  Students typically complete their studies within:

  Diploma Level

  24 weeks

  When you study horticulture with ICI, you can work through the course material at your own pace. There are no assignment deadlines, so you determine how long it takes you to complete the training.

  If you are in a hurry to graduate, you can fast track and finish the course in a matter of months. Alternatively, you can take it more slowly. We allow up to three years to graduate.

• Study Mode: Online Learning

  Our entire horticulture course is conducted online via distance learning. Also called correspondence learning, this approach puts you in control. If you have existing work or family commitments, for example, you can fit your studies around them with ease.

  You can study whenever you wish, and wherever you are in the world. You will have access to your personal tutor, who will be on hand to answer questions and provide feedback.

  We have designed our horticulture course to be highly engaging, so you will find it easy to stay motivated throughout your studies.

• Recognition & Accreditation

  
  This learning programme is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC) and the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC). ICI courses are not AQF qualifications. ICI is an independent global awarding body that develops and administers career-related curriculum and training programs. When you graduate from an ICI training program you join ICI graduates in over 150 countries around the world.

  Like all of our courses, it is designed to be highly practical and relevant. Written and delivered by experts within the horticulture profession, the training programme goes far beyond the theory behind the industry and teaches you key practical skills that will give you a competitive advantage in this field.

• Already in the Profession or Industry?

  Already working in horticulture? This course is for you. It offers a convenient and flexible way to update and enhance your knowledge and skills, contributing to your professional development. Whether you’re looking for a promotion or want to make a sideways move to another area within horticulture, our learning programme is one of the most practical steps you can take.

  You can claim course fees as a tax deduction as long as the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.

• What Do I Get?

  All the materials you need to complete our online counselling courses are included in the course fee. When you enrol, you will receive:

  • All required study materials and course notes 
  • Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
  • A tutor who will answer all your course and career questions and provide guidance.

  Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive:

  • A graduation certificate officially recognising your completion of the course and qualifications as a horticulture professional
  • Transcripts indicating the units completed
  • A letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
  • Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification (for example: John Smith, DipHort)

  Job search assistance: discover more about our Graduate Career Services Programme.

• Cut Off Date

  Friday, 23rd May 2025 is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

  Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish.

  Don’t miss out. Enrol today!

Course Investment & Payment Plans

How do I get started?