Overview of Horticulture
Horticulture is the art, science, and business of plant cultivation, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, mushrooms, flowers, and ornamental trees. It impacts daily life with critical nutrients and beauty.
Main Areas of Horticulture
- Olericulture: production of vegetables
- Pomology: production of fruits and nuts
- Floriculture: production of flowers
- Landscape horticulture: production of ornamental plants
- Postharvest physiology: management of horticultural crop shelf life
Importance and Careers in Horticulture
Horticulture focuses on quality over volume, creating jobs and exports. Organic horticulture conserves land, and protected horticulture enhances crop environments. Various careers are available in horticulture, from botanic gardens to commercial production.
Training and Benefits
Training in biology, pest management, soil science, and business is beneficial for success in horticulture. The field improves quality of life through beauty, food supply, and environmental enhancement.