Prairie Horticulture Certificate: Course Descriptions & Fees

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $742.56

Applied Botany is designed to relate the basic questions of botany to the practical questions faced by many horticulturists. Wherever possible, the course will attempt to bridge the gap between issues of botany and the “real world” where plants and people interact. Students are exposed to a wide variety of fundamental botany topics including botanical nomenclature, cellular processes, climactic factors, as well as a broad variety of botanical structures and functions. As an introductory course, Applied Botany acts as a foundation to many of the other courses in the Certificate Program.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Spring

Tuition:  $539.00

Introduces the basic terminology used in arboriculture, the principles of installation, and care and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape. This course also addresses the effect s of the environment on growth and development of woody plants.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany, Soils for Horticulture, Woody Landscape Plants, and Safe Work/Pesticide Application.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $539.00

Introduces the basics of business management within the horticulture industry. Students gain an understanding of the characteristics of a small business and the principles of small business organizations; financial performance, budgeting and human resource management for the small business.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $539.00

This course introduces basics of marketing within the Horticulture industry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental marketing elements of the Canadian and Prairie horticultural industry, including: basic principles of marketing, principles of consumer behaviour, price-setting, and credit granting strategies, sales process, the elements of distribution channels in domestic and global markets.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Winter only

Tuition:  $699.00

Introduces cannabis specific botany and production requirements in both a greenhouse and warehouse
setting. Topics include: plant growth cycle, genetics, propagation, pest management, integrated crop management (ICM) and harvesting criteria under controlled environment. An introduction to the chemical composition of cannabis and its importance from a medical and recreational perspective is also addressed.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall only

Tuition:  $562.64

Introduces the theory and practice of floral design. Topics include: basic botany; nomenclature and terminology; care and handling of fresh cut flowers/foliage. The course provides basic understanding of the tools, supplies, and mechanics used in floral design. Floral design styles, elements and principles are discussed.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Winter only

Tuition:  $562.64

Introduces fruit production on the Canadian prairies including: the role of prairie climate in large-scale fruit production; plant breeding and cold hardiness; flowering and fruit development; fruit growth, thinning and maturity indices and harvesting techniques. This course discusses site selection, orchard establishment, planting, frost protection and briefly addresses pruning & grafting and post-harvest storage. Fruit crops include apples, plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries, currants and Saskatoon berries.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $699.00

Introduces aspects of greenhouse production including an overview of the prairie greenhouse industry, production economics, chemical and biological pest control and the production of bedding plants, potted and flowering plants and vegetables.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Winter and Spring

Tuition:  $539.00

Introduces the fundamentals of greenhouse construction and maintenance, as well as specialized features of greenhouse structures and environmental controls.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Winter and Spring

Tuition:  $539.00

Introduces the study of common plants in the prairie landscapes including herbaceous perennials, biennials and annual flowers. This course discusses classification, identification, landscape characteristics, adaptations, cultural requirements and proper use of the plants.

Assiniboine Community College

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $520.00

Students are introduced human resource theory and methods as they apply to hiring and managing staff effectively in a horticulture setting. Students learn to use their knowledge of situations involving human resource management issues to test their learning in this course. Students gain an understanding of the personnel planning process. Students learn leadership and communication techniques to motivate staff and resolve conflicts. Application of this knowledge in a horticulture setting is the focus of discussion.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall only

Tuition:  $742.56

This course covers both the theory and practice of indoor landscaping. Topics include: basic design concepts; people-plant relationships and the function of plants in the indoor environment. This course discusses plant culture, maintenance and integrated pest management. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to prepare cost estimates and budgets and create, install and maintain commercial indoor landscapes.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $699.00

Introduces the basics of identifying, monitoring, predicting, and managing the environment and pest problems affecting horticulture crop growth. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to diagnose problems, provide solutions, and predict how the manipulation of growing conditions will impact other factors.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall only

Tuition:  $539.00

Introduces the theory and application of landscape construction and emphasizes safety procedures. Students will learn about interlocking paving stones; water features; retaining walls; low voltage lighting; wooden decks; and fences.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $699.00

Students will gain the skills needed to produce a simple residential landscape design for a client. This course addresses the design process; identifying client needs; producing preliminary site plans and design program; using drafting equipment; and producing a basic landscape design in plan view.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Winter only

Tuition:  $562.64

Introduces the production, processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants on the Prairies. The course will provide students with useful information and skills that can be applied in establishing or running a herb production, processing, or marketing enterprise.

Assiniboine Community College

Terms Offered: Winter only

Tuition:  $520.00

Introduces the principles and practices of the production of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Production in both fields as well as containers is addressed in the commercial business environment. The historical evolution of the prairie industry is discussed as it relates to current crop management practices.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany, Soils for Horticulture, Woody Landscape Plants, Integrated Plant Management and Safe Work/Pesticide, OR receive special permission from the program office.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Terms Offered: Fall and Spring

Tuition:  $699.00

Introduces both theoretical and practical information for hands-on plant propagation. This course will provide an understanding of the physiological and physical processes involved in propagation and the required skills to carry out various propagation techniques.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany.

Assiniboine Community College

Terms Offered: Spring only

Tuition:  $520.00

The principles of postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables and herbs are covered in this course. You will learn handling and storage practices to maintain the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables of importance in the Canadian Prairies; what constitutes high quality produce; when a crop should be harvested for optimum quality; specific storage environments required by various crops; and causes of quality loss during storage and transportation. Storage and handling of fresh herbs will also be discussed. Before enrolling in this course, it is recommended that you be familiar with the types and botanical structures of various fruit and vegetable products.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany.

Assiniboine Community College

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $520.00

Introduces the different aspects of safety in the use of pesticides in the horticulture industry. Topics include: basic chemistry; legislation and regulations; labeling; toxicity; handling practices; environmental protection; pest management; application equipment; emergency response; and public relations. Note: This course will be of particular interest to horticulturalists who apply pesticides, but are not mandated to be certified or licensed by their respective provinces.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $742.56

Introduces the fundamental principles of soil science with specific reference to the study of Horticulture. The components of soil, their physical and chemical properties, and soil-water relationships will be the theoretical basis on which soil management and fertility will be considered. Synthetic and natural fertilizers and amendments, to improve soil physical properties, will be discussed. Potting media for greenhouse production will be introduced; however, the course emphasis is on natural soils. Note: It is recommended that students collect a four litre sample of soil from their garden or area for completion of course assignments. If soil cannot be collected, you may be able to purchase soil from a landscaping or greenhouse business.

Assiniboine Community College

Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, and Spring

Tuition:  $685.00

This course outlines the production and maintenance of turfgrasses to enable students to function within the landscaping and turf production industries. Topics include: an overview of the turfgrass industry; turfgrass physiology; plant morphology and species identification; native turfgrass; soils; turfgrass establishment, culture, management practices and problems; turfgrass pest control and integrated pest management.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $562.64

Introduces vegetable production on the Canadian prairies in terms of soil, climate, equipment, cultural practices, management and marketing. A wide range of crops are reviewed from vegetable crops to vines. The course provides students with information necessary to establish a vegetable operation, advise others on vegetable production, or enhance their background for employment in the vegetable industry.

It is strongly recommended that students first complete: Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture.

University of Saskatchewan

Terms Offered: Fall and Winter

Tuition:  $562.64

Introduces the identification and classification of woody ornamental plants. This course addresses plants common in the prairie environment including deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers.

Required Prerequisite: Students must first complete Applied Botany.