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Plant sales, open to the public, |
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What is the horticulture program?
Horticulturists are individuals who identify, propagate and maintain plants. They also design, install and maintain landscapes and irrigation systems. Diablo Valley College’s horticulture program prepares students for all aspects of work in what is often referred to as the “green industry”.
The horticulture department offers four certificates of achievement in the field:
Horticulture certificate - prepares students for careers as wholesale and retail nursery persons and pest management technicians
Landscape maintenance certificate - prepares students for careers as commercial and residential maintenance technicians
Landscape construction certificate - prepares students for landscape and irrigation installation careers
Landscape design certificate - prepares students to work for and with contractors and landscape architects
Students will learn about:
- basic botany
- plant propagation/production
- plant identification and use
- pruning practices/arboriculture
- adaptive horticulture
- plant pests and diseases
- integrated pest management
- landscape design and construction
- landscape irrigation
- soil and water management
- turf management
- natural landscape environments
- plant taxonomy
- greenhouse management
Why study horticulture?
A horticulturist develops sensitivity and awareness of the environment. There are almost limitless career options within the field, including the operation of one’s own business and opportunities in horticultural research. With the growing interest in protecting and enhancing the environment there is an increased demand for park and recreation green belts. Employment opportunities for horticulturists with expertise in all specialties are continuing to expand in both the private and public sectors.
