HACC's Practical Horticultural Training Certificate Program is designed to develop skills in gardening competence and enhance opportunity for employment in the landscape horticulture industry.
The program is an academic program that requires a competence exam for each course. Seven courses are offered in the program, with required courses being Introduction to Horticulture/Plant Science, Basic Botany, and Perennials I, recommended in that sequence.
After satisfactory completion of five classes, based on exam results, a certificate of Practical Horticulture Training is awarded.
While some students may choose to take these classes for their own enjoyment rather than to receive the certificate, testing for competence is considered part of the class session and is considered a required portion of the class.
Two courses will be offered this spring at the Gettysburg Campus of HACC at 731 Old Harrisburg Road.
Intro to Horticulture will be offered on six Thursdays, Jan. 26-March 2, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $125. This course will provide the basics in plant identification, nomenclature, botany, soils, nutrients, fertilizers, pests, disease, propagation, composting, pruning and balanced water gardens.
As part of the course, students will sprout unknown seeds and identify the plant that is produced. Plants will be propagated, and a terrarium will be made.
Basic Botany will be held on six Thursdays, March 16-April 20, 7-9 p.m. Cost is $100. This in-depth course covers angiosperm plant anatomy (leaf, stem, root), and growth, flowers, fruit, and seeds.
Registration and information for these and other community education, professional development, and workforce training classes is available in HACC's noncredit course schedule at Website below or by calling (717) 338-1010. Payment may be made over the phone by credit card.