HCC Introduction to Propagation, Plant Growth and Development

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

All the required study materials are included.

On successful completion of your studies you will be awarded the HCC Certificate.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The college has a library of over 1,000 horticultural books and reference resources and we are always happy to provide additional information.

Lesson 1 – Plants, their Classification, Structure and Function

• Plant classification and taxonomy
• Plant life cycles and development
• Plant structure and function of plant cells and tissues
• External parts of the plant
• Reproductive structures
• Fruits and seeds
• Respiration and photosynthesis
• Water, minerals and sugar
• Plant development

Lesson 2 –Nutrition and Roots

• Environmentally sustainable practices
• The properties of soil
• Water in soil
• Organic matter and living soil organisms
• Soil pH
• Plant nutrition
• Alternative growing media

Lesson 3 –Plant Health

• Scientific principles and horticultural practices of plant health problems
• Environmentally sustainable practices
• Control of weeds
• Typical plant pests and diseases
• Plant physiological disorders and health problems

Lesson 4 –Introduction to Plant Propagation

• Methods of propagation
• Harvesting and storage
• Propagation from seeds or cuttings
• Propagation techniques
• Budding and grafting
• Environmentally sustainable practices

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-12 months (approx 140 learning hours)*.

* Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

There are no exams. On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* The HCC Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• Particularly suitable if you are considering a career in the field of plant growing (eg nursery growing, growing and selling container or house plants) or propagation

• If you already work in the horticultural profession, this course would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients your interest in plant growth and propagation

• You could progress to the RHS Level 3 course:

  RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation

You do not need previous gardening knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.