Certification > Becoming a Certified Grounds Technician > Training Manual

Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) training manual contents include:

Lesson 1 - BASIC PLANT CARE

The need for plant identification; Structure of a plant; Plants need soil; Organic matter in soils; Acidity and alkalinity of soils; Plants need water; Plants need nutrients; Macronutrients; Micronutrients; Plants need proper temperatures; Soil temperatures; Plants need air; Plants need light

Lesson 2 - SHADE TREES

Tree shapes and sizes; Tree textures; Tree colors; Hardiness; Growth rates; Handling nursery stock; Transporting nursery stock; Storing trees; Planting trees; Watering trees; Pruning trees; Fertilizing trees; Safety procedures

Lesson 3 - TURF MANAGEMENT

Grass and turf; Cool season grasses; Warm season grasses; Mowing turf; Fertilizing turf; Watering turf; Light and shade; Seeding; Sodding; Plugging; Sprigging and stolonizing; Pests and weeds

Lesson 4 - SHRUB AND FLOWER CARE

Characteristics of shrubs; Major types of shrubs; Hedges; Planting shrubs; Care of shrubs; Pruning shrubs; Ground covers; Vines; Flowers; Annuals; Biennials; Perennials; Corms; Tubers

Lesson 5 - PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

Viruses; Bacteria; Fungi; Insec ts; Galls; Weeds; Pesticides; Origins of pesticides; Choosing a pesticide; Pesticides come in many forms; Spraying equipment; Other equipment of pest and weed control; Using pesticides safely; In case of accidents.