How to become A Horticulturist

David Henry Thoreau was spot on when he remarked, “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads”. Horticulturists are verdant souls who expend more than their share of patience and attention on the culture of the earth, so the rest of us get to experience healthy bodies and souls.

• Commercial Horticulturist
• Horticultural Worker

What does a Horticulturist do?

A Horticulturalist would typically need to:

• Supervise the cultivation and production of plants and crops; assist in the planning, preparation and maintenance of gardens, grounds and other leisure areas
• Manage the complex planting and cultivation time schedules of weekly/ monthly/annual maintenance programs; advise and plan succession planting
• Maintain weed, pest and disease control programmes as per current health and hygiene standards
• Try out various fertilisers and responsible production techniques for optimal yields; create new products, if possible
• Assess and make detailed records of crop yields, operational costs and financial returns
• Advise and plan tree planting, succession planting and 
• Conduct environmental assessments; write and modify business plans and proposals as needed
• Learn about and comply with organic and environmentally friendly farming techniques, rules and regulations to meet the increasing requirements for such cultivation
• Assist with repopulation of wildlife in designated areas; create restoration plans for historical sites and gardens if commissioned to do so
• Consider proposed changes to existing public amenities and leisure locations while assessing the potential benefits of such changes
• Provide the expected standard of sports surface presentation and advise on pitch conditions, if employed by a sports facility
• Identify technical and operational problems; investigate the causes, form solutions and conduct horticultural trials to gauge their effectiveness
• Organise technical visits, presentations, and demonstrations to liaise with potential buyers and suppliers; market and sell produce
• Negotiate price and plans with buyers and suppliers; ensure that deadlines, quality control standards and regulations are adhered to within a set budget
• Communicate effectively with the visiting public, local officials/elected representatives and professional groups through briefings and presentations
• Manage contractors to ensure a prompt response and the maintenance of service contracts
• Maintain inventories of stock items such as seeds, plants, trees, tractors, vans and sprayers; inspect and arrange for maintenance of the equipment
• Carry out other administrative tasks such as budgeting and keeping track of accounts
• Train and manage staff following local and international quality, health, safety and employment standards and regulations
• Develop the knowledge and experience to guide and support a team; operate heavy machinery and equipment, if required

Typically, Horticulturists work outdoors in all sorts of weather conditions; however, sometimes, they work in enclosed spaces like greenhouses and hydroponic gardens. Your job description will determine whether you work independently or in a team.

Horticulturists may work full-time or part-time. When working full-time, workweeks can be 43-45 hours long. Usually, during peak growing seasons, they may have to work longer hours or work during the weekends. Sometimes, they may have to work in shifts as well.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Horticulturists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a possible option.

Horticulturists are usually employed by:

• Food & Produce Companies
• Farms
• Plant Nurseries
• Garden Centres
• Research Firms
• Homeowners
• Municipalities

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), and the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), are crucial for Horticulturists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Errors due to inattention and inaccuracy can lead to crop and plant damage and subsequent economic loss
• Meeting weekly and monthly deadlines set by employers or buyers 
• Possibility of injury and distraction due to working alongside heavy machinery
• Working in bad weather conditions or working for long hours under the sun

Hands-on experience is a must for potential Horticulturists. Retailing and gardening offer feasible options; they will allow you to cultivate desirable knowledge of fresh produce and customer service skills of immense value in the commercial sector.

You can also obtain a relevant internship or work experience placement at a plant nursery or farm lasting six months to a year. Voluntary work at a community gardening project, plant nursery or local farm also affords beneficial practical experience. Alternatively, you can look for paid or unpaid overseas work experience opportunities in all areas of horticulture. 

While it is optional for entry into commercial horticulture, candidates with a bachelor’s degree find it helps with professional progress in the long run. A degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, food science/technology, soil/earth sciences, crop/plant science or commerce would prove valuable to budding Horticulturists.

Some jobs may require a postgraduate degree in the subjects mentioned above. 

Consider the inclusion of agricultural and horticultural sciences in your foundation degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) program.

Voluntary certification in business/finance management from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Employers prefer candidates who have certifications like a Pesticide Applicator’s License. You might also require a driver’s license. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience—Check-in with local or national horticultural organisations for specific requirements.

Horticulturists are likely to start their careers by being physically involved in crop and plant cultivation or maintenance tasks. On the commercial and retail side, new Horticulturists may conduct typical retail and commercial tasks. However, with experience come diverse opportunities for career progression. 

You can progress to supervising and managing teams of workers within the production, marketing or retail sectors. You can also specialise and make headway in varied fields within horticulture such as commercial sales, marketing, retail, propagation, stock development, education, crop management or research.

With further experience, you can get involved in the business management and development of commercial companies. There are more opportunities for career progression in larger retail companies. Your career will likely resemble the following route: grower > team manager > crop manager > business manager > general management post. 

Higher education will help you to work in academics or research or high management positions.

Candidates with work experience, appropriate academic qualifications, certification and a good work record have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Horticulturalist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

You will continue to refresh your knowledge of regulations on the use of pesticides and machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE) and control of substances hazardous to health. Focus on a niche area such as landscaping, commercial retail or financial management. Gain certification or enrol in a workshop to gain the requisite skills and confidence.

CPD allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. Attend relevant conferences and festivals to stay updated on the latest trends in your specialist area as well as the whole sector and remain connected with the wider horticultural community. 

Promotion would depend on the acquisition of both developmental and practical managerial skills and geographic mobility. Make sure to build a portfolio of your work, especially your involvement in various successful projects. 

Horticulturists with a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of work experience can apply for and acquire professional certification from accredited organisations.

Keep Yourself Trim And Fit

Since Horticulturists work outdoors for long periods and sometimes engage in strenuous work, they should be physically fit. They should be able to pull, carry, lift and push heavy objects. 

Often, they have to use their back and abdominal muscles to perform these actions. They might have to stand under the sun for extended periods and work for long periods without getting tired.

 Keep Yourself Safe

You may wear protective gear like work gloves, masks, hats and sunscreen to avoid harmful exposure to the sun as well as various allergens and chemicals in fertilisers and pesticides.

Niche Sectors

There are numerous sectors within the field of horticulture where you can apply yourself. 

You can work in the commercial sector, where plants are nurtured, and seeds are produced to be sold in nurseries, greenhouses, and hothouses. As a park administrator, you will strive to beautify and landscape Parks and other public areas. 

Horticulturists, Specialist Horticulturists and Curators of gardens work with scientists and other professionals to create and conserve a collection of plants unique to a specific region or are endangered or have some other remarkable quality.

The supplementary products department offers you an opportunity to work as a researcher, adviser, and salesperson of chemicals, fertilisers and horticultural products. 

You can also work or be involved in research, developing new species of plants and crops or improving the yields of existing species. Horticultural scientists with university degrees are most likely interested in research since it requires very specialised knowledge.

It is possible to involve oneself with projects that help create and develop green zones in cities and towns to combat climate change. You can also conserve the environment by improving crop and plant yields and managing soil stabilisation.

Those whose interests lie in this direction may also work on designing and managing the landscaping of golf courses, football/cricket pitches and other such spaces. 

Urban Planning

As more and more people move into and live in cities, the concept of environmentally friendly “smart cities” becomes a topic of supreme interest for city planners. Smart cities require green roofs, rain gardens, and green spaces. 

Horticulturists can help with planning these green spaces and help build cities where people can enjoy the wonders of nature within urban settings.

In a healthy teaspoon of soil, there are more microorganisms than there are people on the earth! We are talking about billions of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and microscopic insects.

Blessed are Horticulturists who seek joy in nurturing the land and reaping the bounteous harvest it bestows in return. 

Grab whatever work experience opportunity you get and work hard to get as much experience as possible. Stay updated with new developments in the industry, and try your best to connect to like-minded people.