Got a green thumb? Your love of gardening can be more than just a hobby.
Horticulture students learn to cultivate plant life in settings that range
from greenhouses to golf courses.
Horticulture students can choose from a wide range of specialties and
an array of programs. Within those broad program areas, students can specialize
even more. For instance, horticulture students can choose from fruit and
vegetable production, greenhouse crop production, landscaping and arboriculture
(trees) and nursery crop production.
Many universities and two-year colleges offer technician and technologist
programs that are two years or less. In many cases, students can eventually
transfer to the bachelor's degree programs, or they can be employed in entry-level
positions in the industry. For higher positions, though, you'll need a bachelor's
degree.
What you will study will depend on the type of horticulture program
and the area of specialization. Bryce Lane is the program coordinator
at North Carolina State University. He says most programs include classes
in general biology, chemistry, soil science, entomology (insects), plant pathology,
plant identification, plant propagation and greenhouse management. Landscape
horticulturists will also take courses in landscape design.
Most programs also have cooperative education, work term, internship
or field study components.
Lane says students need a good science background, especially in biology
and chemistry. English is also good.
Lloyd Maplebeck is the head of an agriculture department. He suggests getting
some exposure to computer-aided design (CAD) programs while in high
school.
Exposure to the field prior to applying to a program is important. Try
getting a job with a landscaper, florist, golf course or park. There are many
opportunities to volunteer with horticulture clubs in most cities.
Those who have had some experience working in the field, says Lane, are
better able to apply the theory they learn in class. It also gives them an
edge in getting a job after graduation.
Besides tuition, the main cost is books.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Agricultural
and Food Scientists
American Horticultural Society
Gardening information for all levels of skill
Northern Gardener
Information resource for gardeners and horticulturists by the
Minnesota State Horticultural Society
All-America Selections
Site dedicated to the development, production and distribution
of new horticultural and agricultural varieties