HORTICULTURE SCIENCES

The Horticulture program exposes students to a wide variety of career choices. Included in this program are the operation of machinery used in industry and hands-on experiences.  Students learn to identify trees, shrubs, grasses, bedding plants, and control weeds, fungus, and insects. A major project in the spring is the annual plant sale, which allows students to grow, market, and sell bedding plants, shrubs, and hanging baskets. Operation of a variety of machinery used in the industry, as well as a lot of hands-on and work skill opportunities come along with this course. Students who complete one horticulture course can receive Horticulture 101 credit from Spartanburg Community College.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

 

  • Agriculture/Science Education

  • Equipment Operator

  • Forester/Wildlife Management

  • Greenskeeper

  • Horticulturist

  • Landscape Designer

  • Extension Agent

  • Parks and Recreation Employee

  • Industrial/Residential Grounds Manager

 

CURRICULUM

 

Introduction to Horticulture

Grades: 10-12 / Approximate Fees: $ 27
Prerequisite: None

This course  includes subject matter and practical experiences related to the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes.  Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticulture enterprises.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with propagating, growing, establishing, and maintaining nursery plants and greenhouse crops; designing landscapes; preparing designs; sales analysis and management; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience. 

Nursery, Greenhouse, and Garden Center Technology  

Grades: 10-12 / Approximate Fees: $27
Prerequisite: After completing Introduction to Horticulture, it is not necessary for Nursery and Turf to be taken in sequential order; however, a student must have an 80 or above in order to advance to the next course chosen (or Director approval).

This course includes subject matter and practical experiences concerned with the culture of plants used for nursery and greenhouse businesses. Instruction includes an introduction to plant growth and soils and emphasizes identifying, growing, and maintaining nursery plants and greenhouse crops.

Turf and Lawn Management

Grades: 11-12 / Approximate Fees: $27
Prerequisite: After completing Introduction to Horticulture, it is not necessary for Nursery/Greenhouse and Turf/Lawn to be taken in sequential order; however, a student must have an 80 or above in order to advance to the next course chosen (or Director approval).

Students will learn to manage and maintain such turf areas as golf courses, athletic fields, and landscaped spaces. Instruction includes an introduction to plant growth and soils. Other units include turf identification, establishment, and maintenance. Proper grading, soil preparation, drainage, weed identification and weed control are important topics emphasized.