Horticulture & Plant Science

Horticulture is the art, technology, and science of plants. It is the food we eat, the landscapes we live and play in, and the environments we thrive in.

The Horticulture & Plant Science career major prepares students for the wide variety of occupations in four areas of study:

• Sustainable Landscape Horticulture
• Plant Science
• Turf Management
• Greenhouse Management/Floriculture

The major covers horticulture and plant science and prepares students to be the next generation of leaders who will help our agricultural systems and living landscapes thrive in an ever-changing world. Students get real world, hands on experience in our state of the art 3600 sq. ft greenhouse as well as through participation in Minuteman’s off-site projects.

Work in the school’s greenhouse provides learning experiences in food and ornamental plant production and propagation, integrated pest management, and greenhouse management. Entrepreneurship and business operations are covered through seasonal sales through the greenhouse and on-site Flower Shop.  All students learn how to operate and maintain equipment such as tractors, wood-chipper, skid steer loader, chain saws and various other types of equipment. To keep up to date with the ever-changing industry, students regularly attend industry conventions and conferences as well as participate in FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Career Development Events. New areas and technologies are always under review for inclusion in our curriculum.

• OSHA 10 and OSHA 40
• First Aid and CPR
• Introduction to Landscape Design
• Greenhouse Management
• Plant Propagation
• Plant Pathology
• Pruning techniques
• Turf Management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Soil Science and Conservation
• Floral Design
• Management of Forest & Ornamental Trees
• Maintenance and safe use of Landscaping Equipment
• Landscape Business Management/Customer Relations
• Agribusiness
• Opportunity for Cooperative Workforce Placement