Independent Study

Individual research on a special topic in environmental horticulture. Opportunity for students to investigate horticultural problems of special interest or conduct an in-depth project. Emphasis on practical application and current issues in horticulture.

Pest Management

An overview of pest management in landscape, greenhouse, and nursery operations. Identification and analysis of damage related to weeds, insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, virus, mollusks, nematodes and mammal pests. Emphasis on Integrated Pest Management. Cultural, mechanical, biological and least-toxic chemical techniques, legal requirements, and safety. This course provides preparation for the Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Landscape Construction

Advanced principles of construction for the landscape from design to installation. Advanced irrigation projects involving copper pipe cutting, prepping and soldering. Irrigation valve placement and means of back-flow prevention. Irrigation clock wiring design and installation. Designing and building fences, gates, benches, decks and steps. Advanced concrete and masonry projects.

Landscape Construction

Principles of landscape construction applicable to horticulture. Safety, tools, hardware, lumber, fences, gates, benches, decks, steps, paints, stains, concrete paving, concrete blocks, stone walls, and other physical aspects of landscape construction are presented.

Irrigation

Basics of design, installation and maintenance of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems for nurseries, greenhouses and landscapes. Topics include establishing hydrozones, backflow prevention, calculating pressure and flow requirements, system design and installation, equipment and fittings, automatic control systems and water conservation technologies.

Plant Propagation

Principles and practices of reproducing plants as commercially practiced in the horticulture industry. Topics include propagation by seed, and vegetative methods including cuttings, layering, division, grafting and micro-propagation. Field trips to local greenhouses and nursery operations.