Would you like to create your own commercial herb business? If so, this course guides you through the fascinating world of herbs, focusing on a commercial enterprise.
Certificate of Commercial Herb Production is a comprehensive course that provides theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it ideal for aspiring herb farmers, herbal product entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to tap into the commercial potential of herbs.
In this herb farming course, you’ll learn about the historical significance and classifications of herbs and plant identification methods. You’ll also discover the diverse use of herbs, from culinary to medicinal and aromatic applications, learning the art of drying and creating herbal products.
You will also learn about the cultivation and uses of various herb families and broaden your understanding of pest and disease management, companion planting, and natural pest control. You will also explore the commercial aspect, including landscaping, nursery establishment, market analysis, production techniques, farming strategies and business planning.
On completion of this course, you will feel prepared to either start or enhance your venture in the vibrant herb industry.
Course Structure
Unit - Herb Culture
Unit 1 – Introduction To Herb Culture
- History of herbs
- Early herbals
- Hippocrates
- Galen
- Dioscorides
- Pliny
- Pliny
- Fuchs
- The Middle Ages
- Culpeper
- Parkinson
- New herbals
- Modern attitudes
- Resources (Online, Catalogues, Books)
- Magazines and journals
- Plant classifications
- Plant names
- Common names
- Scientific names
- Main levels of division
- Hybrid and variety
- What genus belongs to what family?
- Plant identification and herbs
- Key to plant phyla
- Quick reference herb chart
- Fruit types
- Flower structure
- Resource file
- Plant collections and name
- Pressing plants
- Plant identification sheet
Unit 2 – Using Herbs
- Drying herbs
- Herb products
- Herb dyes
- Mordants
- Culinary herbs and uses
- Herbal teas
- Herb vinegars
- Herb oils
- Herb confectionary
- Herb biscuits and cookies
- Herb mustards
- Using herbs with fruit
- Botany and medicine
- Pants in medicine in ancient times
- Greek and Roman medicine
- Revival of medicine in the Renaissance
- Rise of Modern Medicine and Botany
- Alchemy comes of age
- Man makes his own cures
- Pants make better doctors
- The accidental miracles
- Medicines from around the world
- Protecting our priceless heritage
- Producing essential oils
- Water and steam distillation
- Exotic herbs
- Non-aromatic oils
- Assorted herbal products
- Making potpourri
- Ointments
- Oil and beeswax
- Infusions
- Decoctions
- Syrups and tinctures
Unit 3 – The Mints (LAMIACEAE)
- Mint family (LAMIACEAE/LABIATAE)
- The mints
- Genus: MENTHA
- How to use a botanical key
- Example of a dichotomous key
- Key to Lamiaceae
- Lavandula and thymus
- Lavender species
- Harvesting and using lavender
- How to grow lavender
- Propagation
- The lavenders (genus lavandula)
- Pruning lavenders
- Genus thymus (thyme)
- Growing thyme
Unit 4: The Daisies (Asteraceae)
- Artemisia species
- The artemisias (GENUS: ARTMESIA)
- Other Asteraceae herbs
- Chamomile
- Growing german chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Unit 5: The Parsley Family (APIACEAE)
- Parsley family
- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Cultivation
- Fennel
Unit 6 – The Onion Group
- Lily family (Liliaceae)
- Flowers
- Allium cepa var ascalonicum (shallots)
- Allium sativum – garlic
- Appearance
- Propagation
- Cultural requirements
- Harvesting, drying, freezing and storing
Unit 7: Other Herbs
- Rose family (ROSACEAE)
- Culture
- Fragaria (strawberry) –
- Growing strawberries
- Miscellaneous herbs
- Descriptions of herbs
- Borage family (Boraginaceae)
- Cabbage family (Brassicaceae = Cruciferae)
- Citrus family (Rosaceae)
- Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae)
- Iris family (Iridaceae)
- Leguminosae
- Polygonum family (polygonaceous)
- Madder family (Rubiaceae)
- Valerian family (Valerianaceae)
Unit 8 – Unit 8: Pests & Diseases
- Companion planting
- Beneficial plants
- Decoy plants
- Companion planting table
- Suggested beneficial combinations (not scientifically proven)
- Bad combinations
- Plants which improve the soil
- Green manure crops
- Nitrogen fixers
- Red clover
- Nitrogen non-fixers
- Do not plant
- Natural control of pests and diseases
- Resistant plant species and cultivars
- Antagonistic organisms
- Control by cultural practices
- Government quarantine and pest eradication programs
- Biological control
- Advantages of conserving resident organisms
- Biological control is not new
- Advantages of biological control
- How does biological control work?
- Biological control – weeds
- Other natural pest controls
- Herb repellents
Unit 9: Landscaping
- Principles of landscaping design
- Qualities of the components
- Creating effects
- Procedure for planting design
- Step 1. Pre planning phase
- Step 2. Develop a preliminary concept plan
- Step 3. Develop a final plan
- How plants are used
- Shrubs
- Landscape symbols
- Representing plants on landscape plans
- Examples of landscape plans
- Designing a home garden
- Landscape design
- Suggested plants for mazes
- Home landscaping with herbs
- Types of herb gardens
- Formal herb gardens
- The perennial border
- Rock garden
- The cottage garden
- Landscaping with herbs
- Using herbs with other plants
- Plan your herb garden!
- What to plant where/planting design
- How many herbs do i grow?
- Ideas of how to plant your herbs
- Xeriscape
- Keeping herbs apart
- Hedges and topiary
- Hedges
- Herbs for a rockery
- How to build a rockery
- Colourful and fragrant herb gardens
- Guidelines for planning a fragrant garden
- Lemon scented herb garden
- Lemon scented herbs at a glance
- Choosing herbs for different situations
- Choosing colours
- Drought resistant herbs
- Drought resistant herbs
- Herbs which grow in wet soils
- Climbers
- Herbs which grow in tropical conditions
- Scented herbs
- Herbs to grow in shade
- Poisonous plants
- Public landscaping
Unit 10 – Herb Farming I
- Establishing and operating a herb nursery
- Production schedules
- The market garden type
- Prospects
- Seed information
- Notes on selected crops
- Why grow herbs commercially?
- The possibilities
- Types of herb goods to produce
- Harvesting your herbs
- Example of a drying shed:
- Choosing what to grow
- Where to market your herb products
- Exporting your produce
- Land production requirements
- Equipment and facilities
- Costing your production
- cost efficiency
- quality standards
- size standards
- Hypothetical case study
Unit 11 – Herb Farming II
- Establishing and operating a herb farm
- Growing herbs naturally
- Growing herbs hydroponically
- Fresh cut herbs in hydroponic culture
- Natural fertilisers
- Types of nitrogen
- Factors affecting nitrogen release (from) organic sources
- Green manuring methods
- Improving soil
- Types of soil degradation
- Erosion
- Salinity
- Soil acidification
- Compaction
- Chemical residues
- The nursery site/facility
- Planning restrictions
- Site characteristics
- Location
- Designing facilities in the nursery
Unit 12 – Herb Farming III
- Deciding on how to proceed
- Deciding how to proceed
- Changing and adapting
- Value adding
- Diversification
- Accommodation
- Tourism
- Agroforestry
- Cut flowers and foliage
- Other ideas
- Planning
- Planning processes
- Formal planning process
- The policy formulation approach
- Strategic management approach
- Preparing a farm (or nursery) business plan
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. 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.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
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 course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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:-
- Herb farmers
- Herbal product entrepreneurs
- Anyone interested in the commercial potential of herbs
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