Cert III Horticulture study plan

List 10 workplace hazards common in horticultural sites (manual handling, sun exposure, chemical storage, machinery, slips) and state one control for each using the hierarchy of control

Demonstrate correct selection and use of PPE for three scenarios: herbicide application, chainsaw operation, and potting media handling

Explain the purpose of an SDS and locate the key sections (hazard identification, first aid, handling and storage) for two common horticultural chemicals

Name 15 locally grown ornamental and native plants from fresh or photographed specimens using leaf arrangement, margin, venation and habit as diagnostic characters

Distinguish monocot and dicot features and identify five plant families by floral and vegetative characters

Describe the processes of photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration and explain how each is affected by light, temperature and humidity

Explain how soil texture, structure and pH influence nutrient availability and root health, and interpret a soil test result

Compare three growing media components (composted bark, coir, perlite) for water-holding capacity, aeration and cost

Calculate a fertiliser application rate from a product's N-P-K analysis to deliver a target amount of nitrogen per square metre

Diagnose five nutrient deficiency symptoms from descriptions of leaf position, pattern and colour

Collect a representative soil sample and interpret its texture, pH and organic matter results to recommend two amendments

Demonstrate three propagation methods (stem cutting, division, seed) and record the conditions used for each

Explain the role of auxin, humidity, temperature and hygiene in successful cutting strike rates

Outline nursery workflow from propagation to dispatch, including potting up, labelling, hardening off and stock rotation

Identify five common propagation failures and state the corrective action for each

Compare bare-rooted, containerised and tube-stock planting and select the appropriate choice for three site scenarios

Describe correct planting technique: hole dimensions, root-ball handling, backfill, staking and watering-in

Explain how to assess a site for aspect, drainage, soil compaction and exposure before planting

Plan an establishment watering and mulching program for the first 12 weeks after planting

State the causes of transplant shock and three practices that reduce it

Identify the pruning cut types (thinning, heading, removal) and explain the plant response each produces

Demonstrate correct tool choice, sharpening and hygiene between plants for three pruning tasks

Apply the correct pruning timing and technique to three plant groups: spring-flowering shrubs, evergreen hedges and fruit trees

Describe training systems for a hedge, a vine and a young shade tree and explain the structural objective of each

Explain how pruning, staking and mulching interact to build a strong, well-formed established plant

Compare cool-season and warm-season turf species and select the right one for two climate and use scenarios

Describe mowing height, frequency and the one-third rule, and explain the effect of mowing too low

Outline a turf establishment sequence from site preparation and levelling to sowing or laying and first mow

Identify 10 common weeds by seedling and mature leaf characters and classify each as annual, perennial, grass or broadleaf

Apply integrated pest management principles to two pest scenarios, ranking cultural, biological and chemical options

Explain how to read a pesticide label and apply calibration and withholding-period requirements

Diagnose five plant health problems from symptom descriptions and distinguish pest, disease, nutrient and environmental causes

Describe the disease triangle and name three cultural practices that disrupt it

Compare drip, sprinkler and subsurface irrigation for efficiency, plant suitability and maintenance demand

Calculate irrigation run time from emitter output, area and target application depth

Explain soil moisture monitoring, scheduling and water restrictions compliance in a horticultural setting

Perform pre-start checks and routine maintenance (oil, air filter, blades, guards) on two pieces of horticultural equipment

Explain two-stroke versus four-stroke fuel mixing and the safety consequences of getting it wrong

Describe safe chainsaw and brushcutter operation including kickback, blade contact and exclusion zones

Complete a risk assessment for a machinery task using a likelihood-by-consequence matrix

Summarise environmental sustainability obligations including waste segregation, chemical disposal and water capture