Horticulturists grow and take care of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other plants for decoration, food, or landscapes.
Horticulturist
Horticulturist
VIRTUAL JOB SHADOW
Welcome to your first day on the job! Watch this video to see what a day in the life of a horticulturist is like.
Click for salary, education, & more: Horticulturist (horticultor)
Start on the path to your career as a horticulturist with this Schoolyard Horticulture Challenge! Imagine you have been given a $500 grant from a local plant nursery to create an edible landscape on your school grounds.
STEP 1: Choose the best location on your school grounds for your edible landscape. An area with good soil, sunlight, and drainage is ideal.
STEP 2: Based on the location you chose, what types of edible flowers, fruits, and vegetables would work best in this space and be visually appealing? Make a list.
STEP 3: Take your list and research online (find your local nursery website!) to find the prices of everything on your list.
STEP 4: Do the math to figure out how many and which types of edible flowers, fruits, vegetables you can afford for $500. Adjust your list and quantities as needed to stay within budget.
STEP 5: Draw a diagram showing exactly which edible flowers, fruits, and vegetables will be used, and how they will be arranged in the location you chose.
STEP 6: Write a care and maintenance plan. Be clear on who will do what to plant, care for, and maintain the edible landscape throughout the year (including school vacations!).
STEP 7: Show your plan to your principal, and get his/her permission to do it! Do a fundraiser to get the real $500, or seek donations. Then bring your edible landscape to life!
Share your edible landscape plan, or one you actually created, in the Student Showcase to inspire others and build your resume!