Horticulture Program Curriculum

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Horticulture Program Curriculum

Program Length: 2 Years
Goal: Prepare students for careers in plant production, landscaping, greenhouse management, nursery operations, garden design, and related fields.

Horticulture Program Curriculum


Year 1

Semester 1

  • Introduction to Horticulture
    • Overview of plant sciences, history, careers
  • Plant Biology and Physiology
    • How plants grow, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration
  • Soil Science and Fertility
    • Soil structure, chemistry, and amendments
  • Plant Identification I
    • Learn 50 common trees, shrubs, and perennials
  • Greenhouse Operations I
    • Basics of controlled environment agriculture
  • Communication Skills for Horticulture
    • Professional writing, reports, client interaction

Semester 2

  • Plant Propagation
    • Seeds, cuttings, grafting, micropropagation techniques
  • Pest and Disease Management
    • Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic solutions
  • Landscape Design Principles
    • Basics of site analysis, sketching, and design
  • Plant Identification II
    • Another 50 species: annuals, tropicals, vines
  • Greenhouse Operations II
    • Advanced climate control, hydroponics basics
  • Work Experience / Internship Prep
    • Resume building, job search, mock interviews

Year 2

Semester 3

  • Ornamental Horticulture
    • Landscape plants, aesthetic uses, color theory
  • Fruit and Vegetable Production
    • Organic and conventional practices
  • Turfgrass Management
    • Lawns, sports fields, golf courses
  • Irrigation and Water Management
    • Systems design, water conservation techniques
  • Business Management for Horticulture
    • Starting/running a nursery, pricing, customer service
  • Internship I (Paid/Unpaid, 10–15 hours/week)

Semester 4

  • Landscape Construction
    • Hardscaping: patios, retaining walls, basic carpentry
  • Green Roofs and Urban Gardening
    • City farming, rooftop systems, vertical gardens
  • Advanced Pest Management
    • Biological control, diagnostic labs
  • Special Topics in Horticulture
    • Sustainable practices, climate change impact
  • Capstone Project
    • Students design and present a real or simulated horticultural project
  • Internship II / Final Fieldwork

🌸 Extra Certifications (Optional)

  • Pesticide Applicator License
  • Certified Horticulturist (ASHS)
  • OSHA 10 (Safety certification)
  • First Aid/CPR

📚 Teaching Methods

  • Hands-on labs (greenhouses, gardens, local parks)
  • Field trips (botanic gardens, nurseries, farms)
  • Guest speakers from the horticulture industry
  • Service-learning projects (community gardens)

 

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