Do you love being outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and seeing your garden spring to life? Are you curious about cultivating plants to produce food and medicinal ingredients? Then you may be interested in expanding your knowledge of flora by participating in a horticulture course. Learn the science of plant production, how to improve the sustainability of our environment, water management, soils sampling and managing pests and diseases. In this article we take a look at what your horticulture course options are.
What is horticulture and why should you study it?
Horticulture is a branch of plant agriculture that combines creative and practical skills to produce fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and ornamental plants. Having this knowledge enables you to have a positive impact on the environment, enhance the diversity of wildlife habitats and add beauty and aesthetics to your home, community and landscapes.
Having a thorough understanding of horticulture will give you the ability to:
- Grow your own nutritious food and herbs as well as decorative plants
- Understand what environments certain plants need to thrive and how propagation works
- Recognise the uses of different types of plants
- Maintain high quality soil
- Manage water effectively
- Prevent pests and diseases harming your plants
Studying a course in horticulture is great to expand on your passion for plants and gardening but is also useful if you want to start a career in this industry. When reviewing your horticulture course options you should also review what jobs you may like once you have completed your course.
Jobs that you may find fulfilling include:
- Nursery worker/gardener
- Florist
- Garden designer
- Landscape gardener
- Consulting and growing for flower and garden shows
- Maintaining public gardens and parks
- Sports ground maintenance
Take a look at some horticulture positions on Seek here.
Reasons to complete a course in horticulture
- If you are in search of a greener career and enjoy spending time outdoors, becoming a horticulturist could be your dream job. Completing a horticulture course is the first step to getting a position within the industry.
- You are interested in the technology and science involved in horticulture. Many positions you will be eligible for after completing a horticulture course use cutting-edge technology to ensure the health of plants and the environment. This may include automation for plant monitoring, pest and disease identification, weed control and soil health maintenance.
- You would like to make a positive impact on the environment and the future of our planet.
- You would like to improve your knowledge of your own garden and local environment.
Start your career by completing a horticulture course with Upskill Online
Upskill Online is dedicated to providing a comprehensive horticulture course, carefully crafted to meet the needs of the various sectors within the horticultural industry. This course will equip you with core skills in potting, soil testing, taking care of trees, treating weeds, pests and diseases.
This online course enables you to balance your study with day-to-day work, family and lifestyle commitments.
The horticulture industry in Australia has seen strong growth with many job opportunities becoming available for those who have knowledge about plant production, management, education and research. Or you may be inspired to start your own business in fruit and vegetable production, floristry, managing a nursery or starting a landscape gardening service. Whatever path you choose you are sure to find your new career in horticulture immensely rewarding.
View all our online courses here or speak to our career consultants for more information.