op logo header v2

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)

This free-of-charge fully supported online qualification gives you a comprehensive education on the fundamentals of growing plants. The four areas covered are plant and soil science, plant identification and selection, plant health and sustainable growing.

Domestic
Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
34 Weeks Part-time
Level
3
Credits
60
Fees
Zero fees
This programme is free of charge. T&Cs apply - see our fees section for more info.
Delivery
Online
Location
Online
Intakes
February
Apply Now
Open print-friendly view

About the programme

Get your green fingers online and study Level 3 Horticulture for free!

If gardening is your passion, you want to grow food for your family or are already working in the horticulture industry and need to understand the science that underpins the growing of crops - this zero fees, fully supported online programme is perfect for you!

It provides a clear pathway into further study and careers in the horticulture industry, in areas such as orchards, vineyards, plant nurseries and garden centres.

Graduates of this programme will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3). 

What you study
Workload
Entry
Fees

What you will learn

Courses

Courses Credits
Plant and Soil Science 
Understand and apply knowledge of plant and soil structure and processes in horticulture
  • Describe plant structure and processes and apply these to the growing of plants
  • Describe soil properties and processes and apply these to the growing of plants 
 15
Plant Identification and Selection 
Identify, describe, select and name plants in horticulture
  • Identify and describe plants and their characteristics and uses
  • Identify and apply plant naming conventions
  • Select plants for use in specific horticulture contexts 
 15 
Plant Health
Identify and control a range of common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture
  • Identify and describe common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture 
  • Describe and apply solutions to plant health problems in horticulture 
 15 
Sustainable Growing
Understand and apply the principles and practices of sustainable growing systems 
  • Describe the features of natural systems 
  • Apply sustainable techniques to the growing of plants  
 15 

Further study options

Our Level 4 Fruit Production programmes would be the perfect next step.

Cancellation of a programme

Any programme of study, course or course occurrence may be cancelled or postponed where there are insufficient numbers. As far as is practically possible, we avoid cancelling or making other significant changes less than two weeks before the programme starts (or five working days for short courses). If this happens, we will do our best to suggest alternative study options for you. If you don’t want to do the alternative programme, we will give you a full refund. For international students, if a programme change affects your visa status, we will let you know and support you to find an alternative option. We also advise Immigration New Zealand of any programme change that will affect international students.