The Prairie Horticulture Certificate program is the online program in horticulture designed specifically for the prairie provinces and is offered through the Continuing Education department. It is jointly offered by a consortium of three Western Canadian institutions: Olds College, Assiniboine Community College & the University of Saskatchewan.
Choose one of four streams of focus and once you have completed all of the courses in your selected stream you will be granted a Prairie Horticulture Certificate from Olds College.
For a complete overview of the program, please see our Student Handbook.
Term Dates:
Registration Deadline: 2 weeks prior to course start date. Pending availability; late registrations may be accepted with a late fee. Limited space available so register early.
Length of Program: You can expect to work 8 - 15 hours per week for a 60 hour course or 4 - 10 hours per week for a 30 hour course.
The Prairie Horticulture Certificate offers a flexible course load to ensure that it meets the needs of every learner. You can complete as many or as few courses as you like and you are free to choose courses that interest you from any stream. If you are interested in pursuing a certificate we recommend that you start with Applied Botany and/or Soils for Horticulture followed by the required courses and then the elective courses.
Required Core Courses:
At least three of the following:
And at least two of the following:
Plus one Open Elective. Any course in the Prairie Horticulture Certificate program can be used as an open elective including the following:
Required Core Courses:
At least three of the following:
At least two of the following:
Plus an Open Elective if you require an additional course to meet minimum requirements. Any course in the PHC program can be used as an open elective including the following:
Required Core Courses:
At least three of the following:
And at least one of the following:
Plus ONE Open Elective. Any course in the PHC program can be used as an open elective including the following:
Required Core Courses:
At least three of the following:
At least one of the following:
Plus an Open Elective. Any course in the PHC program can be used as an open elective including the following:
Prairie Horticulture Certificate - students must complete all courses specified for their particular stream and maintain an overall average of 60%. A total 9 courses and 360 hours represents the minimum requirement for a certificate.
All assignments are handled by the course-delivering institution. The course instructor is available by email to answer questions or receive comments about the course. All classes offered in this certificate are online courses.
60 Hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 and 3 | $742.56
Applied Botany is designed to relate the basic questions of botany to the practical questions faced by many horticulturists. Wherever possible, the course will attempt to bridge the gap between issues of botany and the “real world” where plants and people interact.
Students are exposed to a wide variety of fundamental botany topics including botanical nomenclature, cellular processes, climactic factors, as well as a broad variety of botanical structures and functions. As an introductory course, Applied Botany acts as a foundation to many of the other courses in the Certificate Program.
Recommended Textbooks:
To order textbooks, call the USask bookstore at 1-888-214-8888 or order online.
30 Hours | Online | Term 1 & 3 | $579.00
This course outlines basic terminology used in arboriculture, the principles of installation, and care and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape. It also provides "how to" information in these areas. Finally, the effect of the environment on growth and development of woody plants is addressed.
Prerequisite: It is recommended that students complete Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture before registering in Arboriculture. It is also recommended to have prior or concurrent knowledge in Woody Landscape Plants and Safe Work/Pesticide Application.
Required Text & Materials: None
30 hours | Online | Terms 1 and 3 | $579.00
This course introduces business management basics for operating a small business within the horticulture industry. Gain an understanding of the characteristics of a small business and the principles of small business organizations; financial performance in a small business; small business budgeting; and human resource management for the small business.
Required Text & Materials:
30 hours | Online | Terms 1 and 2 | $579.00
Are you interested in marketing within the horticulture industry? Learn marketing basics as you gain an understanding of the fundamental marketing elements of the Canadian and prairie horticultural industry, basic principles of marketing and consumer behavior, price-setting, elements of the sales process, distribution channels in domestic and global markets, and the marketing plan and its components.
60 Hours | Online | Term 2 | $749.00
Students will learn about the specific Cannabis production requirements and harvesting criteria under controlled environment culture. Cannabis botany, growth cycle, genetics, propagation, pest management, Integrated Crop Management (ICM) and harvesting in both a greenhouse and warehouse setting will be addressed. An introduction to the chemical composition of Cannabis and its importance from a medical and recreational perspective is also included.
Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students first complete Applied Botany
Recommended Textbooks:
To order textbook, call the Olds College bookstore at 1.800.661.6537, Ext. 4630 or order online
30 hours | Online | Term 2 | $608.50
Introduces fruit production on the Canadian prairies including: the role of prairie climate in large-scale fruit production; plant breeding and cold hardiness; flowering and fruit development; fruit growth, thinning and maturity indices and harvesting techniques. This course discusses site selection, orchard establishment, planting, frost protection and briefly addresses pruning and grafting and post-harvest storage. Fruit crops include apples, plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries, currants and Saskatoon berries.
Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students complete Applied Botany before registering for Fruit Production
Required Textbooks:
To order textbooks, call the USask bookstore at 1-888-214-8888 or order online.
60 Hours | Online | Terms 2 | $749.00
In this online course, you will learn several aspects of greenhouse production including an overview of the prairie greenhouse industry, production economics, chemical and biological pest control, and the production of bedding plants, potted, and flowering plants and vegetables.
Required Text & Materials:
To order textbooks, call the Olds College bookstore at 1.800.661.6537, Ext. 4630
30 Hours | Online | Terms 2 and 3 | $579.00
Learn the fundamentals of greenhouse construction and maintenance, as well as specialized features of greenhouse structures and environmental controls.
Required Text & Materials
To order textbook, call the Olds College bookstore at 1.800.661.6537, Ext. 4630 or order online
30 hours | Online | Terms 2 and 3 | $579.00
This course is a study of common plants in the prairie landscapes including herbaceous perennials, biennials and annual flowers. The course will discuss classification, identification, landscape characteristics, adaptations, cultural requirements and proper use of the plants.
30 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 and 3 | $567.00
Students are introduced to human resource theory and methods as they apply to hiring and managing staff effectively in a horticulture setting. Students learn to use their knowledge of situations involving human resource management issues to test their learning in this course. Students gain an understanding of the personnel planning process. Students learn leadership and communication techniques to motivate staff and resolve conflicts. Application of this knowledge in a horticulture setting is the focus of discussion.
Required Text & Materials
To order textbooks, call the Assiniboine bookstore at 1.800.862.6307 ext. 6788 or order online.
60 hours | Online | Term 1 | $803.10
This course covers both the theory and practice of indoor landscaping. Topics include: basic design concepts; people-plant relationships and the function of plants in the indoor environment. This course discusses plant culture, maintenance and integrated pest management. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to prepare cost estimates and budgets and create, install and maintain commercial indoor landscapes.
Prerequisites: It is strongly advised that students complete Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture before registering for Indoor Landscaping.
Required Text & Materials
A light meter will be required in order to complete course assignments and activities. Approx. cost: $45.00
To order textbook call the USask bookstore at 306.966.4476 or 1.888.214.8888.
Purchase this textbook online
60 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 | $749.00
The course outlines the basics of identifying, monitoring, predicting, and managing the environment and pest problems affecting horticulture crop growth. Upon completion of this course the student should be able to describe and apply the principles of Integrated Plant Management. The student will be able to diagnose problems, provide solutions, and predict how the manipulation of growing conditions will impact other factors.
Required Text & Materials: None Required
Prerequisites: It is strongly advised that students complete Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture before registering for Integrated Plant Management. This course draws on a broad range of material covered in other courses and is best taken near the end of the PHC program.
30 hours | Online | Term 1 | $579.00
In this course, you will learn about the use of segmental pavement, water features, retaining walls, low voltage lighting, wooden decks and fences in residential and commercial landscapes. You will be introduced to the selection of construction materials, and installation and care procedures for these hard landscape features.
30 hours | Online | Term 1 | $579.00
In this course, you will learn about the use of segmental pavement, water features, retaining walls, low voltage lighting, wooden decks and fences in residential and commercial landscapes. You will be introduced to the selection of construction materials, and installation and care procedures for these hard landscape features.
30 Hours | Online | Term 2 | $567.00
This course covers the principles and practices of the production of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Both field and container production are addressed in the commercial business environment. The historical evolution of the prairie industry is discussed as it relates to current crop management.
Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students will have completed Applied Botany, Soils for Horticulture, Safe Work/Pesticides, Integrated Plant Management, Woody Landscape Plants or obtained consent from your home institute program director.
Required Text & Materials
To order textbooks, call the Assiniboine bookstore at 1.800.862.6307 ext. 6788 or order online.
60 hours | Online | Terms 1 & 3 | $749.00
Learn both theoretical and practical information for plant propagation. Gain an understanding of the physiological and physical processes involved in propagation and the required skills to carry out various propagation techniques. You will propagate plants from seed and cuttings in a small propagation structure you create yourself, documenting the results photographically.
Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students first complete Applied Botany.
Required Text & Materials: View the required Materials List
Required Text:
To order textbook, call the Olds College bookstore at 1.800.661.6537, Ext. 4630 or order online
30 hours | Online | Term 3 | $567.00
The principles of postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables and herbs are covered in this course. You will learn handling and storage practices to maintain the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables of importance in the Canadian Prairies; what constitutes high quality produce; when a crop should be harvested for optimum quality; specific storage environments required by various crops; and causes of quality loss during storage and transportation. Storage and handling of fresh herbs will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: Before enrolling in this course, you should be familiar with botanical structures of fruits and vegetables. Applied Botany is recommended prior to taking this course.
Required Text & Materials:
Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, 3rd Edition., Kader, A.A. 2002 (Editor). ISBN: 9781879906518
To order textbooks, call the Assiniboine bookstore at 1.800.862.6307 ext. 6788 or order online.
30 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 and 3 | $567.00
Introduces the different aspects of safety in the use of pesticides in the horticulture industry. Topics include: basic chemistry; legislation and regulations; labeling; toxicity; handling practices; environmental protection; pest management; application equipment; emergency response; and public relations. This course will be of particular interest to horticulturalists who apply pesticides, but are not mandated to be certified or licensed.
Required Text & Materials
To order textbooks, visit www.publications.gov.on.ca/.
60 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 and 3 | $803.10
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of Soil Science with specific reference to the study of Horticulture. The components of soil, their physical and chemical properties, and soil-water relationships will be the theoretical basis on which soil management and fertility will be considered. Synthetic and natural fertilizers and amendments, which improve soil physical properties, will be investigated. Potting media for greenhouse production are examined; however, the course emphasis is on natural soils.
Required Resources:
A four-litre soil sample from a garden or similar area will be required in order to complete course assignments and activities.
Note: If soil cannot be collected, students may purchase soil from agreeable landscaping or greenhouse businesses.
60 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 and 3 | $749.00
This course outlines the production and maintenance of turfgrasses to enable you to function within the landscaping and turf production industries. Topics include: an overview of the turfgrass industry; turfgrass physiology; plant morphology and species identification; native turfgrass; soils; turfgrass establishment, culture, management practices and problems; turfgrass pest control and integrated pest management.
Required Text & Materials:
Recommended Textbook:
To order textbooks, call the Assiniboine bookstore at 1.800.862.6307 ext. 6788 or order online.
30 hours | Online | Terms 3 | $608.50
This course covers vegetable production on the Canadian prairies in terms of soil, climate, equipment, cultural practices, management and marketing. A wide range of crops is reviewed from vegetable crops to vines. The course provides students with information necessary to establish a vegetable operation, advise others on vegetable production, or enhance their background for employment in the vegetable industry.
Prerequisites: It is recommended that students complete Applied Botany and Soils for Horticulture before registering in Vegetable Crop Production.
Required Text & Materials: Diseases and Pests of Vegetable Crops in Canada: An Illustrated Compendium. Howard, Ronald J., ed. Canadian Phytopathological Society. Approximate Cost $65.95 + GST. Download this book
30 hours | Online | Terms 1, 2 | $608.50
Introduces the identification and classification of woody ornamental plants. This course addresses plants common in the prairie environment including deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers.
Prerequisite: Applied Botany
Required Text & Materials:
To order textbooks, call the USask bookstore at 1-888-214-8888 or order online
Phone: 403.556.4740
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.6537
Email: coned@oldscollege.ca
When nearing the end of the Certificate Requirements, students must notify coned@oldscollege.ca.
Students have two weeks (14 days) after the start of the term to withdraw from any course. The tuition fee less a $50.00 administration fee will be issued upon return of the course package. All course material fees are non refundable. Refunds are NOT issued after the second week of the term. Non-payment of fees, non-attendance, or failure to submit assignments does not constitute cancellation of registration. The effective date of cancellation is the date on which your Withdrawal Letter is received by Olds College.