Gardening Schools and Classes
Schools may offer degree programs in horticulture, which may include classes in organic gardening, ornamental plants, soil ecology and plant nutrition. Shorter certificate programs may also be available through local organizations. Get more information about what you can learn in gardening programs.
What You Need to Know
<p>Horticulture programs are offered at many colleges and universities through on-site classroom lectures and labs or off-campus, community outreach and extension classes. Degree programs typically provide you with a foundation in biology and chemistry, along with core knowledge of horticultural practices and principles, such as soil preparation, pest management and ecology.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b> Programs</b> </td><td> Associate's, Bachelor's and Graduate degrees available in horticulture therapy, landscape architecture, and horticulture technology, among others</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b> Certificates</b> </td><td> Numerous available through community and online resources</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b> Courses</b> </td><td> Integrated pest management, horticulture business practices, plant propagation, plant identification, sustainable landscape design, greenhouse operations</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3>
<p>In a horticulture program, you'll learn the art of gardening. You'll study and practice techniques and methods used to grow garden-variety plants that are appealing to the eye and the palette. In contrast to large-scale, single-crop agricultural producers, horticulturists typically work as small-scale, mixed-crop plant care technicians or artists. Internships and research opportunities may provide additional hands-on experience. You might choose a specialization based on your career interests, such as:
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<ul><li>Landscape design
</li><li>Nursery management
</li><li>Turfgrass maintenance
</li><li>Greenhouse ornamental plants
</li><li>Organic gardens
</li></ul><p>Courses that you might take in one of these programs might include:
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<ul><li>Plant nutrition
</li><li>Pest control
</li><li>Landscape design
</li><li>Ecology of plant systems
</li><li>Agronomy
</li><li>Horticulture science
</li><li>Seed science
</li><li>Greenhouse production
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreMyOptionsForGardeningSchools">What Are My Options for Gardening Schools?</h3>
<p>You can take gardening classes through a variety of learning institutions. Some include four-year universities. The following list of schools can help you to get started in your search:
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<ul><li>Cosumnes River College (Sacramento, CA)
</li><li>Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
</li><li>Oregon State University (Corvallis)
</li><li>Ohio State University (Columbus)
</li><li>Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfGardeningProgramsCanIChooseFrom">What Kinds of Gardening Programs Can I Choose From?</h3>
<p>Degree programs in horticulture include associate's or bachelor's degrees in horticulture therapy, landscape architecture or horticulture technology. You also can find horticulture programs at the graduate level.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAboutCertificatePrograms">What About Certificate Programs?</h3>
<p>You can earn certificates in a variety of topics, including community beautification, healing gardens or local fruits and vegetables. Many of these programs are offered by municipal parks and recreation departments, public botanical gardens or online schools.
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<h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsWork">How Do Online Programs Work?</h3>
<p>Although you can take courses online, you might need to document hands-on activities and have access to a garden plot or growing area. You'll practice the techniques you're learning and share your results with classmates through online discussions. Some programs might provide you with seeds and cuttings in at-home propagation kits. Other distance education programs may require that you complete an internship at a greenhouse or botanical garden near you.</p>