-1–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
-2–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
PROGRAM PURPOSE
This Unit Standard forms part of the General Certificate in Ornamental Horticultural, NQF Level 1 and is aligned with the
Unit Standard : Control weeds manually in plant propagation and landscaping, worth 4 credits.
The purpose of the unit standard is to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to control weeds by hand, in
containers, plant beds, turf grass and landscape areas.
These skills and knowledge will form the basis of the learning and help learners to meet the specific outcomes and
assessment criteria, as outlined by the Unit Standard.
UNIT STANDARD PRE-REQUISITES
Demonstrate knowledge of communication and Numeracy at Abet level 3.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
-3–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Unit Standard : 119694
Unit Standard Title :
NQF Level :
Credits :
Purpose :
Control weeds manually in plant propagation and landscaping
1
4
This unit standard is for people employed within the Ornamental Horticulture and
landscaping industry who need to control weeds by hand, in containers, plant beds, turf
grass and landscape areas.
Learning assumed to Demonstrate knowledge of communication and Numeracy at Abet level 3.
be in place
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
-4–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Practical Competence
(Specific Outcomes)
Foundational Competence
(Knowledge)
Reflective Competence
1. Demonstrate an understanding 
of the objectives of weed
control.



Describe the effect that weeds
have on desirable plants.
Describe the rapid reestablishment of weeds.
Explain the importance of the
correct timing of weed control.
Range:
Depriving desirable plants of light,
nutrients and water, annual and
perennial weeds, weeds that set seed
early and produce a fresh crop of weed
seedlings, weeds that grow easily from
stolons, bulbs, corms and rhizomes,
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2




Identify and solve problems in which
responses display the responsible
decisions using critical and creative
thinking have been made.
Work effectively with others as a
member of a team, group, organisation
or community.
Collect, analyse, organise and critically
evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in
the modes of oral and/or written
presentations.
Demonstrate an understanding of the
world as a set of related systems by
recognising that problem-solving
contexts do not exist in isolation.
-5–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Practical Competence
(Specific Outcomes)
Foundational Competence
(Knowledge)
Reflective Competence
weeds that re-grow from a tough root
system.

2. Select the tools and
equipment for manual
weed removal.

Demonstrate the inspection
of the cleanliness and
working order of the tools
and equipment.
3. Select personal protective
equipment (PPE) needed
to remove weeds by hand.

Demonstrate the inspection
and testing of the selected
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Explain the suitability of tools or
equipment used for the removal of
specific weeds.

Range :
Weeding fork, hoe, slasher, spade, fork,
and trowel.




Explain the suitability of the selection 
of personal protective equipment for
the hazards posed by the specific

weeds to be removed.
Range:
Work effectively with others as a member
of a team, group, organisation or
community.
Collect, analyse, organise and critically
evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in the
modes of oral and/or written presentations.
Use science and technology effectively
and critically, showing responsibility
towards the environment and health of
others.
Work effectively with others as a member
of a team, group, organisation or
community.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in the
modes of oral and/or written presentations.
-6–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Practical Competence
(Specific Outcomes)
Foundational Competence
(Knowledge)
Reflective Competence
equipment for the correct
working condition.
Gloves, overalls, safety shoes, boots,
eye protection.

Use science and technology effectively
and critically, showing responsibility
towards the environment and health of
others.

Identify and solve problems in which
responses display the responsible
decisions using critical and creative
thinking have been made.
Work effectively with others as a
member of a team, group, organisation
or community.
Organise and manage oneself and
one’s activities responsibly and
effectively
Collect, analyse, organise and critically
evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in
the modes of oral and/or written
presentations.
4. Identify common weeds
and their regenerative
processes.



Demonstrate the removal of
weeds around shallow
rooted plants.
Minimize disturbance of the
roots of desirable plants.
Inspect the site to ensure
that the weeds have been
effectively removed.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2


Classify and give examples of the
major weeds.
Identify the stages in the life
cycle/development of weeds, where
removal is essential.
Range:
Annual and perennial weeds commonly
found in the workplace, life cycle of
weeds, reproductive/regenerative
characteristics of weeds, seed setting
period, roots, stolons, bulbs, corms,
broad leaf weeds, grasses, sedges.




-7–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Practical Competence
(Specific Outcomes)
Foundational Competence
(Knowledge)

Demonstrate an understanding of the
world as a set of related systems by
recognising that problem-solving
contexts do not exist in isolation.
Explain why the area to be weeded
must first be watered well.
Give reasons why the soil should be
loosened around the weed’s stem
before it is removed.

Range:
Water before weeding to minimize
damage to roots of neighbouring plants.
Soften soil/growing medium to facilitate
removal of bulbs and roots, corms and
stolons.
Loosening the soil around the stem of a
weed.

Work effectively with others as a
member of a team, group, organisation
or community.
Organise and manage oneself and
one’s activities responsibly and
effectively
Collect, analyse, organise and critically
evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in
the modes of oral and/or written
presentations.


5. Demonstrate the
preparation and
procedures for the
effective removal of
weeds.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Reflective Competence


-8–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Practical Competence
(Specific Outcomes)
Foundational Competence
(Knowledge)
Reflective Competence

6. Conduct effective weed
disposal.


Identify weeds that should
not be added to the
compost heap.
Demonstrate the
procedures for handling and
disposal of noncompostable weeds.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2

Range:
Role of an incinerator.
Compostable weeds or portions of
weeds, seeds, bulbs and corms that are
capable of reproducing after being
subjected to a composting cycle.



Identify and solve problems in which
responses display the responsible
decisions using critical and creative
thinking have been made.
Work effectively with others as a
member of a team, group, organisation
or community.
Collect, analyse, organise and critically
evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual,
mathematical and/or language skills in
the modes of oral and/or written
presentations.
Use science and technology effectively
and critically, showing responsibility
towards the environment and health of
others.
-9–
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
S/O
A/C

1
1–3




2
1–2

Evidence Required
Sources of Evidence
Describe the effect that weeds
have on desirable plants.
Describe the rapid reestablishment of weeds.
Explain the correct timing of
weed control.
Annual and perennial weeds.
Weeds that set seed early and
produce a fresh crop of weed
seedlings.
Weeds that grow easily from
stolons, bulbs, corms and
rhizomes.
Weeds that re-grow from a tough
root system.
Select the tools and equipment
needed for manual weed
removal.
Explain the suitability of the tools
or equipment needed for the
removal of specific weeds.
Inspect the cleanliness and
working order of the tools and
equipment.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Weeding fork
Hoe
Slasher
Spade
Fork
Trowel.
Assessment
Method
Knowledge
questionnaire
Activity – tool
and equipment
identification
Knowledge
questionnaire
Bloom Level
Blooms
Cognitive
Domain –
comprehension
level
Blooms
Cognitive
Domain –
Application level
- 10 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
S/O
A/C
Evidence Required


3
1–2

Select personal protective
equipment (PPE) needed to
remove weeds by hand.
Explain the suitability of the
selection of personal protective
equipment for the hazards posed
by the specific weeds to be
removed.
Inspect and test the selected
equipment for the correct working
conditions..
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Sources of Evidence
Assessment
Method
Bloom Level
Gloves
Overalls
Safety shoes and boots
Eye protection
Work place procedures
Health and safety regulations
Activity – select
PPE and inspect
and test the
selected
equipment
Knowledge
questionnaire
Blooms
Cognitive
Domain –
application level
- 11 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
S/O
A/C
Evidence Required


4
1–4




5
1–2

Sources of Evidence
Classify and give examples of
the major weeds.
Identify the stages in the life
cycle/ development of weeds
where removal is essential.
Annual and perennial weeds
Remove weeds around shallow
commonly found in the workplace.
rooted plants.
Minimize disturbance of the roots
of desirable plants.
Inspect the site to ensure that the
weeds have been effectively
removed.
Explain why the area to be
weeded must be watered well.
Give reasons why the soil should
be loosened around the weed’s
stem.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Assessment
Method
Bloom Level
Activity –
Remove weeds
Knowledge
questionnaire
Blooms
Cognitive
Domain –
application level
Knowledge
questionnaire.
Blooms
Cognitive
domain –
application level
- 12 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
S/O
A/C
Evidence Required


6
1–2

Conduct effective disposal of
weeds.
Identify weeds that should not be
added to the compost heap.
Demonstrate the procedures for
handling and disposal of noncompostable weeds.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Sources of Evidence
Workplace procedures.
Assessment
Method
Activity –
Dispose of
weeds.
Knowledge
questionnaire.
Bloom Level
Bloom’s
cognitive domain
– application
level.
- 13 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
TARGET AUDIENCE PROFILE
LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS
Learner Demographic Factors
 300 Learnerships country wide
 Age 18 – 60
 Average time on the job 1 to 20 years
 Majority male
 Predominantly black depending on geographical location
 Geographically spread throughout SA
 Generally will have low educational levels ranging from Grade 6 to Grade 9
 Staff may travel far to get to work or to training provider
 Language – several language preferences
 Low staff turnover
Industry Demographic Factors
 Peak season in the industry runs from August to December – this hampers training efforts during such time
 Many contract workers especially over peak season and weekend work is common throughout the industry
 Labour intensive work – low mechanization in industry
 Most work done on-site – very little done off-site
 Seasonal changes have a major impact on business and labour requirements
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 14 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS
 Lack of SME in diverse languages
Motivation
 High motivation for learning to advance in job and remuneration
 Learning barriers: Lack of formal education and facing the unknown
 Little experience in formal education
 Low levels in self-confidence can by expected during the learning
Subject Knowledge and Skills
 Practical competence learning acquired on the job.
 Lack foundational and reflective competence
Learning Factors
 Learning happens on the job – Sit by Nelly
 Will be keen to learn if learning is relevant and results in meaningful work or qualification achievements
 Preference for learning that is practical
 Preference for learning that is interactive – using all senses
 Preference for learning in small, intact work groups
Resources/Time Scale
 Limited resources if someone off on training misses daily targets – no backup available to fill in gaps
 Distance from home to training to work impact on work and learning
 Access to subject matter experts is limited in the learners’ workplace to their sector specialisation.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 15 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS



Long hours of work.
Training needs to take place preferably between February to July
Training needs to take place preferably on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesday
TRAINING & OTHER STRATEGIES
TRAINING CONTENT
 National Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture – 17 Core Unit standards
 National Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture – propagation and retail Elective Unit Standards
TRAINING ACTIVITIES/METHODS/DELIVERY
 Address learning barriers at the beginning of training to overcome the lack of formal education and facing the unknown
Manage trainee ‘state’ to draw on the curiosity, anticipation, suspense, confidence building, delight and exploration in order to
ready trainees for learning. Build trust, enthusiasm and excitement for the learning.
 Training must cater for all learning styles and types. Planned format variety to stimulate all five of the learners senses i.e.
sight, sound smells, taste and touch and to appeal to the Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic learning styles identified by NLP
 Avoid age specific activities in order to appeal to wider target audience
 Use easy to understand and basic English in training and assessment. ( English is the language for the delivery of learning)
 Avoid using written assignments and tests, substitute with oral questioning and verbal discussion as required.
 Make training relevant in the introductions to lessons – allowing the learner to contextualise learning
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 16 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document

Participant-centered activities to actively involve learners in the learning process. The activities need to be comprehensive,
practical and experiential in nature with great emphasis on the process, which integrates foundational, practical and reflective
competence.
 Training must be relevant, realistic and practical. Use workplace examples and context. Activities need to be based on “real
work” where learners work with real workplace scenarios and case studies.
 Some unit standards may seem irrelevant with no perceived benefit due to the diversity of careers within the industry
 Move from practical competence to foundational competence and then into reflective competence.
 Provide activities to help the learner relate their learning to their own past experiences and personal interests.
 Include activities that build learner confidence.
 Provide lots of learner support.
 Provide tools that help the learner to plan and manager their own learning.
 Avoid using written assignment
 Learners used to low mechanization so training practicals need to be basic and manual, avoid using high tech gadgets.
TRAINING IMPLEMENTATION/MANAGEMENT
 Training must take place in a classroom to ensure a focused learning experience
 The facilities, logistics and administration ( venue, room layout, training materials, accommodation, meals, etc) must
enhance the learning experience
 Set training time lines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/SYSTEMS/PERFORMANCE/BUSINESS ISSUES
 Communicate learning to the learner’s management to gain support and assistance for the learner.
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 17 –
General Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture Learnership at Level 1
Unit Standard Title : Control Weeds Manually
In Plant Propagation and Landscaping
Design Document
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2