Horticulture

HORT 100T (2) Greenhouse Environment and Control

An introduction to the structures and equipment used in creating greenhouse environments. Topics include site selection, types of greenhouse structures, types of greenhouse coverings, types of heating and cooling systems, types of benching systems, and types of lighting systems. A study of how greenhouse equipment is used to maintain optimal growing conditions and manipulate plant growth. (1.5:0:0.78 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 101T (2) Plant Propagation

An introduction to the methods commonly used in the propagation of ornamental plants. Topics include vegetative propagation, seed propagation, as well as tools, equipment and media used in plant propagation. An opportunity to learn how to take plant cuttings, collect seeds and perform routine labour operations used in the production of some ornamental plants. (1.33:0:1.16 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 110T (1) Horticultural Botany

Introduction to basic plant physiological processes such as photosynthesis; respiration; transpiration and metabolism; role of plant hormones; and basic morphology of plants, and anatomy of its parts. (0.92:0:0.17 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 112T (3) Pest Management and Weed Control

An analysis of integrated pest management for field, nursery and greenhouse production; parasitic and non-parasitic pests; identification of disease organisms, insects, and animal problems; insect life cycles and biological pest control; safe operation of pesticide application equipment; mathematical pesticide calculations; acts and regulations governing pest control in B.C. Upon completion, students will be able to make qualified decisions regarding the appropriate uses of pest control methods. (2.67:0:1 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 115T (2) Introductory Plant Identification

An introduction to basic ornamental plant identification. Students will learn classification of plant material according to horticultural use and scientific nomenclature. Students will compile a plant identification catalogue, and will be expected to know and recognize 100 common landscape plants. (0.17:0:2 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: HORT 110T

HORT 116T (2) Advanced Plant Identification

A continuation of Introductory Plant Identification (HORT 115T) offered in the first semester. Students will compile a plant identification catalogue and a herbarium collection, and they will be expected to know and recognize 100 common plants. (0.08:0:2 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: HORT 110T and HORT 115T.

HORT 120T (2) Irrigation Systems and Design

An introduction to landscape irrigation systems and installation techniques. Topics include basic hydraulics; calculating water supply and pressure; pipe sizing, control valves, sprinkler head selection and spacing; controllers; and design layout. Topics investigated during labs include layout of irrigation design on paper and in the field; making solvent-cemented joints with PVC piping; and testing and adjustment of irrigation systems. Students design a landscape irrigation system. (0.67:0:1.33 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 125T (2) Landscape Maintenance and Turfgrass Management

An introduction to turfgrass management, including identification of grass types and their characteristics, seeding techniques, and pests and diseases. Topics include landscape maintenance techniques and the use of basic hand tools and equipment for pruning and cultivation. (1:0:1.17 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 130T (2) Landscape Construction Techniques

Students will build and install a landscape project at the G.R. Paine Horticulture Centre or at an alternative site off campus. The course includes the study of aspects of hard and soft landscape installation. (0:0:2.33 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 131T (3) Landscape Design Techniques

An introduction to landscape design for those seeking a career in the landscape industry. Students develop two landscape plans and investigate the practical application of plants and various hard landscape applications commonly used in residential landscaping. (2:0:1.33 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 132T (1.5) Estimating & Business Practices

A cost estimating course for landscapers. Students develop a systematic approach to estimating projects. Involves quantifying overhead recovery, material costs, labour costs, equipment costs, sub-contractors, profit margins, and contract writing. (0:0:1 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 135T (2) Greenhouse Production

An overview of cultural and scheduling requirements for some of the most commonly grown floriculture, vegetable and forest seedling crops in B.C. Prepares students to identify some of these crops and perform routine labour operations in the greenhouse, using specific information on cultural requirements and growing techniques. Students visit forest seedling, vegetable and floriculture operations during the field trip. (1.5:0:0.67 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 140T (1.5) Practicum I

Under a co-operative arrangement, students work 105 hours for private, municipal or provincial employers who are involved in horticultural activities. Program faculty and employers work together to ensure that a good attitude and a learning environment of high standards is maintained throughout the work experience. (0:0:0 -35 for 1 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 141T (2) Work Experience

An eight-week work experience with private, municipal or provincial employers who are involved in horticultural activities. (0:0:0 -420 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 145T (1) Field Trips I

Students visit horticultural installations and enterprises on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and Washington State. The field trips are designed to expose students to a wide variety of horticultural operations and to keep up to date with technological advances in the field of horticulture. (0:0:2.33 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 146T (1) Field Trips II

A continuation of HORT 145T. There is also a possibility of a seven to ten day overseas field trip. This international experience is subject to certain restrictions and constraints. (0:0:2 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 150T (2) Soils and Growing Media

An introduction to soil science in the greenhouse, nursery and landscape setting. Topics include soil structure, soil texture, soil chemical properties, soil testing, soil amending and the use of mulches. Students study soil chemistry and its relationship to soil fertility, soils relationship to the plant root environment and specialized growing media used in greenhouse and nursery operations. (1.5:0:0.67 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 160T (3) Horticultural Skills and Practices-Spring

An opportunity to gain experience in basic horticultural labour and equipment operations through work in the greenhouses and nursery facilities. A variety of floriculture, nursery and forestry crops are grown. Main crops grown include bedding plants, hanging baskets, containerized forest seedlings, and Easter lilies. Includes landscape maintenance activities at Milner Gardens and Woodland. In addition to attending regular classes, students are required to complete 30 independent duty roster hours before graduation. (0:0:10 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HORT 161T (2) Horticultural Skills and Practices-Fall

A continuation of HORT 160T. An opportunity to gain experience in basic horticultural labour and equipment operations through work in the greenhouses and nursery facilities. A variety of floriculture, nursery and forestry crops are grown. Main crops include poinsettias, potted foliage crops and landscape nursery materials. Includes landscape maintenance activities at Milner Gardens and Woodland. In addition to attending regular classes, students are required to complete 30 independent duty roster hours before graduation. (0:0:8.9 for 18 weeks)

HORT 300T Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Level 3

Level 3 Apprenticeship Technical Training advances apprentices knowledge, skill, and ability in the following topics: Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles, Work Organization, Marketing and Sales, Horticulture Practices, Hardscape Installation, Softscape Installation, Hardscape Maintenance, Softscape Maintenance, (15:0:10 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: To be eligible for Level 3 Apprenticeship Technical Training, students must hold a valid BC Level 2 qualification.