What's the difference between a horticulturist and a gardener? 🪻🍃

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?

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

But what's the differencebetween the two?

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

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

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

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

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.

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 🔍

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.

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.

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.

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 🌳

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

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

Photo by Michaela St on Unsplash

Check out these resources to help you do some self-analysis, understand your career ambitions, and decide which role suits you more.