- Description
- Students apply concepts and processes related to growing a greenhouse crop, including plant anatomy and identification, growth requirements, physical structures and equipment, and production tasks.
- Prerequisite
- None
- Parameters
- Access to a land laboratory and/or greenhouse and/or controlled growing environment with a suitable water source. Access to instruction from an individual with a Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certificate is required.
- Supporting courses
- AGR1050: Plant Propagation HCS2020: First Aid/CPR with AED HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems
Outcomes The student will:
1 identify and describe plants that are suited for greenhouse/nursery crop production
1.1 identify the biological factors that affect a crop, considering the structure, function and growth habits of plants; e.g., cells and tissues, roots, stems, leaves, flowers
1.2 identify the life cycle of a plant
1.3 determine the basic requirements for greenhouse/nursery crops, including:
1.3.1 light
1.3.2 water
1.3.3 temperature
1.3.4 air
1.3.5 nutrition
1.3.6 growing medium
1.4 describe how weather and climate may affect production activities; e.g., germination rates
1.5 explain basic plant processes and related terminology; e.g., water and nutrient intake, respiration, photosynthesis, transpiration
1.6 identify greenhouse and nursery plants, using:
1.6.1 common names
1.6.2 botanical names
1.7 identify plants that are suited to specific applications, considering:
1.7.1 potted and bench-grown greenhouse crops
1.7.2 soilless crops grown in Alberta greenhouses
1.7.3 vegetable and fruit crops
1.7.4 potted plant crops grown in Alberta
1.7.5 specialty crops
2 apply principles of nutrition to production practices
2.1 identify the function of macronutrients and micronutrients
2.2 identify excesses and deficiencies of nutrients
2.3 identify differences among fertilizer types; e.g., soluble, granular, slow-release
2.4 explain the use of fertilizer applicators
3 implement appropriate strategies for the treatment and prevention of pests, diseases and ailments that affect the health of plants; e.g., cultural, mechanical, biological, chemical
4 identify equipment and supplies used in growing facilities
4.1 describe criteria relevant to the selection of structures, equipment and supplies; e.g., ease of operation/maintenance, safety, cost, environmental impact
4.2 explain appropriate structures in producing crops; e.g., fences, cold frames, greenhouses
4.3 discuss and demonstrate the safe use of appropriate hand and/or power equipment and related supplies at each stage of production
4.4 identify practices relevant to the use of structures, equipment and supplies; e.g., policy, legislation and safe practices
5 perform practical tasks to demonstrate an understanding of plant production, including:
5.1 using an appropriate growing medium
5.2 choosing propagation techniques; e.g., sexual, asexual
5.3 transplanting
5.4 fertilizing
5.5 watering
5.6 spacing
5.7 monitoring pests and assisting in pest management
6 demonstrate basic competencies
6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
6.1.1 communicate
6.1.2 manage information
6.1.3 use numbers
6.1.4 think and solve problems
6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
6.2.2 be responsible
6.2.3 be adaptable
6.2.4 learn continuously
6.2.5 work safely
6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
6.3.1 work with others
6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
7 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
7.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
7.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.