Berries are delicate and delicious little fruits and are considered somewhat of a delicacy — hence their often exorbitant cost! Some berry varieties prefer certain regions and climates over others, so knowing the intricacies of berry production can help you choose what to grow where … and successfully!
The Certificate of Berry Production is a professional development course that is ideal for horticulture students, commercial growers, or hobby growers who a looking to start their own little berry patch.
In this fruit production course, you will learn about the botanical characteristics of berries, which varieties to grow, and how to plant, stake, mulch, water, feed, protect and prune them.
You will also study berry propagation, how to irrigate them and control weeds, how to harvest and market them, and how to navigate the world of commercial berry growing.
On completion of this course, you will have gained insights into the wonderful world of berry production — from strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and raspberries, to lesser-known varieties like gooseberries, goji berries and lignoberries (and more!)
Course Structure
Unit - Berry Production
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Review of the system of plant identification
- Plant Families, Species, Cultivars, Varieties
- What is a Berry -Botanical Characteristics (Simple fruits, Compound Fruits)
- Information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs etc.)
Unit 2 – Which Varieties to Grow
- Site Selection,
- How much land
- Site Chjaracteristics
- Climate
- Winter Chilling Requirements
- Biological Considerations
- Further Considerations affecting what to Grow
- Review of Significant Berries including
- Blackcurrant
- Blueberry
- Brambleberry
- Blackberry
- Other Rubus species
- Cranberry
- Gooseberry
- Grape
- KiwiFruit
- Passionfruit
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
Unit 3 – Lesser Grown Varieties of Berry Plants
- Alpine Strawberry
- Cape Gooseberry
- Elderberry
- Goji berry
- Guava
- Hardy Kiwi Fruit
- Lignoberry
- Pepino
- Tree Tomato
- Mulberry
- Production Plan for Berry Cropping
Unit 4 – Culture
- Soils
- Planting
- Staking
- Mulching
- Watering
- Pest & disease
- Feeding
- Pruning
- Protection from wind, salt, air, etc.
Unit 5 – Propagation
- Methods of propagating berries
- Seed, Cuttings, Layering
- Aids to Propagation
- Hardening off Young Plants
- Propagation of selected varieties
Unit 6 – Weed Control & Irrigation
- What is a Weed
- How Weeds Spread
- Preventative methods of Control
- Eliminating growing weeds
- Identifying Weeds
- Water Infiltration and Retention
- Drainage
- Improving water Infiltration
- Soil Moisture Classes
- Measuring Water Available to Plants
- When to Irrigate
- Irrigating Berry Crops
Unit 7 – Harvesting & Marketing Berries
- When and How to Harvest
- Understanding Fruit Ripening
- Harvesting Techniques
- Post Harvest Treatments
Unit 8 – Commercial Berry Growing
- Marketing Berries
- The Marketing Process
- Understanding Supply and Demand
- Cost, Quality and Quantity characteristics in a Crop
- Farm Layout for Better Management
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Berry Farmers
- Home Gardeners
- Students of Horticulture
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