SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Provide care for ornamental plants 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264192  Provide care for ornamental plants 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Utilise the principles and practices of safety when providing plant care.
  • Recognise the effects that environmental conditions have on common plants.
  • Provide care for newly-planted plants.
  • Conduct the necessary pruning, trimming and deadheading of plants.
  • Implement watering, feeding and pest control programmes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply health and safety practices whilst providing care to plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective equipment items that must be utilised when using hazardous chemicals are identified and the necessary handling procedures are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The personal protective clothing should be worn while providing care for ornamental plants and conducting plant maintenance is described in terms of the items ability to provide protection to the worker. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of all hand tools utilised in plant care is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of identifying any hazards in the workplace is explained in terms of the aim of preventing safety incidents from occurring. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The benefits of utilising good housekeeping practices are explained in terms of the role that these procedures play in minimizing the occurrence of safety incidents. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the influence that environmental factors have on plants commonly found in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The stress that occurs in newly-planted plants when hot weather prevails and the benefits that syringing will have in alleviating this stress is described in terms of the signs that these plants exhibit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect that cold weather may have on frost tender plants is described and the methods to protect these plants from frost damage are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The problems encountered with newly-planted plants when wet conditions persist and the steps that should be taken to ensure that adequate drainage is provided are described in terms of the signs that these plants exhibit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The negative effects that dry spells may have on the state of newly-planted plants is described and the water scheduling that will assist plants in these conditions is given according to company procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect that strong winds have on certain newly-planted plants is described in terms of the harm caused and the various precautions that can be taken to minimise wind damage are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Stake and tie select plants and trees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why certain trees and plants should be staked and tied is explained in terms of the need to attain a certain form and the protection/stability that staking brings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of commonly found trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are identified in terms of their particular staking and tying requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The materials that are used in the staking and tying of shrubs and trees are described in respect of their suitability for securing various plants and trees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of ensuring the long term protection of stems when tying to the stakes are demonstrated in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A tree is staked and tied in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Perennials and annuals are staked and tied in accordance with procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Trim and deadhead various ornamental plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment that is commonly used for trimming is identified and the particular uses for these are described in terms of their applications in plant maintenance tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cutting back and/or trimming of certain plants is explained in terms of the reasons why this practice is utilised and examples of plants that require these procedures are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The separation of certain plants from other neighbouring plants is explained in terms of the reasons why this control measure is implemented and examples of plants that require these procedures are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of deadheading certain plants is explained in terms of the reasons why this practice is required and examples of plants that need deadheading are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why the suckers of certain plants should be removed is explained in terms of the prevention of regrowth and the procedures to remove suckers these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The area on a stem, where a cut should be made is indicated and the techniques for making a cut are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The removal of "cross" growth in certain plants is explained in terms of the reasons why this practice is required and examples of plants that need this procedure are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Prune plants and trees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for conducting formative pruning of young trees are explained in terms of the objectives of this type of pruning and the methods that may be used to achieve this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why certain plants require pruning are explained in terms of the effects that pruning has on their growth and flowering and examples of plants that require these procedures are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why pruning cuts must be made above a node are explained in terms of the apical dominance and the ideal position for the cut is indicated according to the specific plant's procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various pruning techniques that are used on shrubs and trees are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of performing the incorrect pruning on shrubs and trees are described in respect of the resultant shape and form that the plant will produces. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Implement a suitable feeding program. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why plants require a regular supply of nutrition are explained in terms of the promotion of new growth, flowering and rejuvenation that will occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The benefits of using a feeding program, as opposed to haphazard application of fertilisers, is explained in terms of the timeous replacement of nutrition to the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why organic fertilisers are considered as "complete" foods are explained in terms of their balanced nutrient content and availability benefit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relative benefits of integrating organic and synthetic fertilisers in a feeding program are explained in terms of the provision of trace elements and the improvement in the structure of the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various methods of applying fertilisers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The methods of spreading composts and manures among plants are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for using mulches are explained in terms of the benefits that will be achieved and the methods of spreading mulches between plants are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The possible consequences of neglecting to provide plants with adequate nutrition are described with respect to the condition and degree of growth that will result. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Implement a pest control programme to prevent infestations and minimise the effects of common pests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of adhering to the manufacturer's instructions on pesticide containers is explained in terms of the consequences that the incorrect application of these can have on the plants and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Insects and other pests that are commonly found in the workplace are identified and a description of the damage that they inflict on the plants and landscape is shown on a damage plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The prevalence of common pests is described in terms of the seasons and times of the year when they pose the greatest threat to the plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of implementing the scheduled timing of a pest control strategy is explained in terms of the life cycle of the targeted pests and the effectiveness of the agents within that particular period. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of following the prescribed frequency for the applications of the control agents is explained in terms of the value that the repeated applications have on the eradication of the targeted pests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for the safe application of pesticides are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences of failing to control pests or delaying the use of control strategies are explained in terms of the possible damage that may result, if an infestation is allowed to occur. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Implement a weed control programme to ensure that plants do not have to compete with unwanted species for space and nutrition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of herbicides close to cultivated plants is explained in terms of the risks involved and the precautionary methods to prevent this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The removal of weeds that are within the root zone of cultivated plants is explained in terms of the risk of damage that this removal poses to the plants root structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Weeds that are commonly found in the workplace are identified and the most successful methods of eradicating them are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The removal of weeds from among shallow-rooted plants by hand is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The occasions where weeds can safely be treated with herbicides are explained in terms of the weed specific control and pre-emergent agents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The situations in which weeds cannot be treated with herbicides is explained in respect of the reasons why hand removal is necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for the safe handling and application of herbicides are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of adhering to the manufacturer's instructions on herbicide containers is explained in terms of the consequences that the incorrect application of these can have on the plants and the environment. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying the appropriate weed control techniques. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the application of compost and mulches. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the safety procedures and precautions when using pesticides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Reading and following the mixing and application rates for herbicides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the pest status in the landscape and requesting the appropriate pesticides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the benefit that fertilisers have on the health and growth of plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Joypat farming and Projects 
    2. Posh Accredited Training Pty Ltd 
    3. Theron Training Development Pty Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.