This Level 4 certificate provides the advanced knowledge and practical experience needed to work effectively in commercial nursery production. Learners develop skills in propagation, nursery operations, plant crop protection, landscape planning, machinery and equipment use, business management, and supervising staff. The programme is targeted at individuals already working in or seeking to enter the nursery and horticulture industry, preparing for a range of roles in production, management, and consultancy across the sector.

Course Content

• Nursery Environment: Soils, soilless media, nutrient management, mist units, irrigation systems, temperature and weather management.

• Nursery Operations: Advanced propagation methods, seed sowing, plant production from cuttings, grafting, budding, stock management, plant science, plant hormones.

• Nursery Crop Protection: Identification and management of pests, diseases, and weeds.

• Plant Selection and Planning: Plant identification, landscape design, planting plans for amenity and revegetation projects.

• Nursery Equipment: Use of grow houses, shade houses, potting machines, packing and dispatch facilities.

• Business Management and Marketing: Development of business plans, marketing strategies for nursery enterprises.

• Human Resources: Supervising, managing others, time management, communication, and conflict resolution.

• Practical industry/workplace placement (500 hours embedded, approx. 2 days per week).