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Basics of plant care and maintenance

Responsibilities of a Horticulturist

A horticulturist specializes in working with plants and applies knowledge from biology, botany, plant physiology, and environmental science to promote plant health and support their growth.

They manage the breeding, cultivation, selection, and production of plants.

A horticulturist in a lab looking at a plant. Image courtesy of DC Studio via Freepik

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Responsibilities include:
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  • Investigating and collecting information about flora, particularly agricultural plants 🔍

  • Choosing appropriate plant varieties for different habitats 🍏

  • Evaluating soil quality and nutrient levels 🌰

  • Growing and tending to plants and agricultural products 🌽

  • Providing guidance on eco-friendly fertilization and pest management techniques 🧑‍🔬

  • Revitalizing ecosystems, overseeing indigenous plant species, and enhancing biodiversity 🌳

Education & Skills Required to Become a Horticulturist

To become a horticulturist, you must have an associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, biology, botany, soil science, or environmental science.

A fresh graduate in graduation robe with her degree looking excited.

In addition, you should:

  • Network with professional horticulture organizations and associations

  • Gain practical experience through internships at commercial plant growers, landscaping companies, or plant nurseries

  • Develop critical thinking and effective communication skills to collaborate well with other scientists, researchers, and business professionals

Quiz

Which of these skills are more important to become a horticulturist? Select all that apply:

Answer:

Ability to communicate and collaborate ,

Ability to research and analyze

Did you know?

Certain states, provinces, or regions might have specific licensing or certification requirements for horticulturists, so it's important to verify the regulations in your area. The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) provides the Associate Professional Horticulturist (APH) certification, which is designed for recent graduates and those starting their careers in horticulture.

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Do you enjoy working with the soil or exploring the fascinating world of plants around you?

Have you ever wished to have a job that keeps you close to nature?

Bob from Bob's Burgers looking curiously at a growing plant in his garden.

If yes, then you may be a good fit as a gardener or a horticulturist.

But what's the differencebetween the two?

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Did you know?

Although gardening falls under the umbrella of horticulture, some aspects of horticulture go beyond the scope of gardening.

Differences Between a Horticulturist and a Gardener

Although some tasks are similar, it’s important to know the key differences between a horticulturist and a gardener.

Jimmy Fallon looking surprised or confused and saying, "What?"

Horticulturist

  • Specializes in the science and art of cultivating plants and often works in labs

  • Focuses on research to improve plant species and develop sustainable agricultural practices

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Example: Susan is a horticulturist who develops a new variety of rose and ensures it survives in extreme climates.

Gardener

  • Takes care of different types of plants to ensure their good health and prevent them from withering out

  • Performs hands-on tasks such as planting seeds, pruning, watering, and maintaining the plants

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Example: Patrick is a gardener who creates a beautiful flower bed and ensures every bloom stays healthy.

Responsibilities of a Gardener

Gardeners keep gardens and landscapes looking nice. They monitor plants' health and ensure there is an adequate supply of water and nutrients.

A gardener can also help design outdoor spaces using plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs.

A closeup of a person's hands working in a garden, digging with a spade.

Responsibilities include:

  • Mowing the grass 🚜

  • Trimming grass, trees, and bushes 🔪

  • Watering plants 🚰

  • Arranging flowers 🌸

  • Caring for gardening tools 🛠️

  • Distributing fertilizer and applying pest management products 🐛

  • Eliminating weeds from flower beds 🌾

  • Monitoring the health and growth of plants 🔍

Did you know?

"There are more microorganisms in one teaspoon of soil than there are people on earth."

Education & Skills Required to Become a Gardener

A woman lifting and placing a heavy plant while another woman looks at her with admiration.

To become a gardener, no formal education or degree is needed — a few online courses to understand the science of plants and plant growth or how to design a garden can help you.

Search on the internet or check locally for short-term in-person or online courses in gardening or hands-on training sessions for practical experience.

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In addition, you should:

  • Have an interest in outdoor work

  • Have a desire to learn about sustainable plant growth

  • Be willing to engage in voluntary roles for practical experience

  • Develop physical strength and fitness to perform everyday tasks such as lifting fertilizer bags, using gardening tools, being in the sun for long hours, etc.

Quiz

You're considering becoming a professional gardener but want to take some courses first. Which course is the most important for you to take?

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Responsibilities of a Horticulturist

A horticulturist specializes in working with plants and applies knowledge from biology, botany, plant physiology, and environmental science to promote plant health and support their growth.

They manage the breeding, cultivation, selection, and production of plants.

A horticulturist in a lab looking at a plant. Image courtesy of DC Studio via Freepik

Responsibilities include:

  • Investigating and collecting information about flora, particularly agricultural plants 🔍

  • Choosing appropriate plant varieties for different habitats 🍏

  • Evaluating soil quality and nutrient levels 🌰

  • Growing and tending to plants and agricultural products 🌽

  • Providing guidance on eco-friendly fertilization and pest management techniques 🧑‍🔬

  • Revitalizing ecosystems, overseeing indigenous plant species, and enhancing biodiversity 🌳

Education & Skills Required to Become a Horticulturist

To become a horticulturist, you must have an associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, biology, botany, soil science, or environmental science.

A fresh graduate in graduation robe with her degree looking excited.

In addition, you should:

  • Network with professional horticulture organizations and associations

  • Gain practical experience through internships at commercial plant growers, landscaping companies, or plant nurseries

  • Develop critical thinking and effective communication skills to collaborate well with other scientists, researchers, and business professionals

Quiz

Which of these skills are more important to become a horticulturist? Select all that apply:

Did you know?

Certain states, provinces, or regions might have specific licensing or certification requirements for horticulturists, so it's important to verify the regulations in your area. The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) provides the Associate Professional Horticulturist (APH) certification, which is designed for recent graduates and those starting their careers in horticulture.

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Responsibilities of a Horticulturist

A horticulturist specializes in working with plants and applies knowledge from biology, botany, plant physiology, and environmental science to promote plant health and support their growth.

They manage the breeding, cultivation, selection, and production of plants.

A horticulturist in a lab looking at a plant. Image courtesy of DC Studio via Freepik

1

Responsibilities include:
2

  • Investigating and collecting information about flora, particularly agricultural plants 🔍

  • Choosing appropriate plant varieties for different habitats 🍏

  • Evaluating soil quality and nutrient levels 🌰

  • Growing and tending to plants and agricultural products 🌽

  • Providing guidance on eco-friendly fertilization and pest management techniques 🧑‍🔬

  • Revitalizing ecosystems, overseeing indigenous plant species, and enhancing biodiversity 🌳

Education & Skills Required to Become a Horticulturist

To become a horticulturist, you must have an associate or bachelor's degree in horticulture, biology, botany, soil science, or environmental science.

A fresh graduate in graduation robe with her degree looking excited.

In addition, you should:

  • Network with professional horticulture organizations and associations

  • Gain practical experience through internships at commercial plant growers, landscaping companies, or plant nurseries

  • Develop critical thinking and effective communication skills to collaborate well with other scientists, researchers, and business professionals

Quiz

Which of these skills are more important to become a horticulturist? Select all that apply:

Answer:

Ability to communicate and collaborate ,

Ability to research and analyze

Did you know?

Certain states, provinces, or regions might have specific licensing or certification requirements for horticulturists, so it's important to verify the regulations in your area. The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) provides the Associate Professional Horticulturist (APH) certification, which is designed for recent graduates and those starting their careers in horticulture.

1

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