Greenhouse Environments

Students will study the design and control of greenhouse environments, including temperature, light, humidity, air circulation and gases. Students will also perform manual and computer control of environmental factors.

Botany

In this course the student will study morphology, anatomy, physiology and reproduction of higher plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms). Plant classification and nomenclature, ecology and evolution are covered with specific reference to plant families common to horticulture.

Basic Pest Management

This course introduces the identification and control of pests (including insects and mites), weed, diseases and disorders of horticultural crops; spread and effects on plants. Students will work with concepts of integrated pest management for horticulture. Students will study viruses and representatives of the kingdoms Monera (bacteria), Protoctista (algae, water molds and slime molds), Fungi, Animalia and Plantae (including mosses, liverworts, horils and ferns). Student will successfully demonstrate the competent use of backpack sprayer in order to pass this course.

Vegetable Crops--Fall Activities

Students learn production practices for tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper and lettuce crops grown in British Columbia greenhouses through group participation at various greenhouse sites and through classroom presentations. The student will learn propagation, varieties, fertilizer and nutrition, special planting media and clean-up procedures.

Horticulture Work Experience

Students will participate in an approved work experience in the horticulture industry, which may include paid or unpaid work. They will broaden their landscape maintenance or production horticulture skills in a commercial setting. Upon completion of the work experience students will prepare a written report and give an oral presentation on their experiences.

Prerequisites: HRTT 1120 or HORT 1171

Home Garden Plant Care & Quality

Students will study the cultural requirements of a wide variety of plant material sold in garden centres for the home and garden. They will demonstrate propagation, planting, and maintenance techniques for indoor plants, annual and herbaceous perennial borders, vegetable gardens, ponds, and outdoor containers. Students will also study the plant quality assessment, handling, and maintenance methods commonly used in a retail garden centre.

Home Garden Turf and Landscape

Students will demonstrate basic home lawn care installation and maintenance practices, as well as installation of pathways and short retaining walls. Irrigation and fertilization techniques are covered. Students will also learn to identify common weeds, pests, diseases and disorders of landscape plants and turf.

Sales & Merchandising

Students will learn the basic concepts in sales and merchandising. They will study display, merchandising, signage, customer relations, and sales techniques as they apply to garden centres and retail nurseries.

Landscape and Turf Operations

Students will gain practical experience in basic landscape and turf maintenance operations while working. They will demonstrate the correct selection and use of maintenance tools and equipment, mowing procedures, soil preparation, turfgrass seeding and sodding, fertilizer/lime applications, as well as the planting of bulbs, annuals and perennials.

Prerequisites: Minimum of C in Math 11 or Applications of Math 11 and a minimum of C in English; HRTA 0096 may be substituted for Math 11.

Soils & Growing Media

This course is an introduction to soils and growing media for the horticulture technicians. Students learn about soil formation and the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and growing media. Students will sample soils, carry out soil tests and interpret soil test results.

Prerequisites: Math 11 or Applications of Math 11 or HRTA 0096 and English 11

Vegetable Crops--Winter Activities

Students learn production practices for tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper and lettuce crops grown in British Columbia greenhouses through group participation at various greenhouse sites and through classroom presentations. The student will learn to differentiate crop problems, cultural activities for winter production cycles and crop record-keeping.

Mechanics and Troubleshooting

This course is an introduction to basic mechanics and troubleshooting for horticultural equipment. Students learn about the principles and terminology of electrical, hydraulic, power and lubrication systems. Students will learn about safe work practices, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and equipment operation and maintenance.

Prerequisites: Math 11 or Applications of Math 11 or HRTA 0096 and English 11

Corequisites: WCB Occupational First Aid: Level 1

Lawn and Garden Maintenance

Students will learn to maintain lawns and specialty gardens with focus on pest management. They will also engage in job estimating.

Prerequisites: HRTT 1102, 1103, 1120. Must have a valid BC pesticide certificate.

Hard Landscape Maintenance

Students will study and practise the maintenance and repair of a variety of hard landscape features. They will review the functions and standards of hard landscape features. Students will work on irrigation systems, drainage systems, segmental retaining walls, pavers, dry stack walls, and simple wood structures during practical lab sessions.

Prerequisites: HRTT 1120

Vegetable Crops--Spring Activities

Students learn production practices for tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper and lettuce crops grown in British Columbia greenhouses through group participation at various greenhouse sites and through classroom presentations. The student will learn product quality standards, alternative production methods, cultural activities for spring and summer production cycles of crops and teamwork skills.

Prerequisites: HRTT 1104 or 1204

Greenhouse Systems

Students will study common greenhouse structures and facilities including styles, components, materials and coverings. The course also covers important greenhouse systems and equipment including heating, venting, irrigation, fertilization, blanket and CO2 systems and utilities.

Food Safety in Horticulture

Students will learn the relationships between food crop production techniques, food poisoning and safe food hygiene practices. They will develop a food safety program for the growing, harvesting, storage, packing, transporting and sale of horticultural produce, and supervise such practices in a horticultural production unit.

Landscape Maintenance Skills

Students will employ the landscape maintenance skills acquired through their prior studies. They will practise landscape maintenance tasks with a focus on productivity, quality, and safety in the workplace.

Prerequisites: (HRTT 1231 and 1120) or (HORT 1122 and 1240)