Working in the horticulture and landscaping industry takes more than a green thumb – you’ll need a strong work ethic, a vast knowledge base and a drive to keep up on the latest developments if you want to work in this competitive and rapidly changing industry.
Ontario college horticulture and landscaping programs cover a number of areas of the horticulture industry, equipping students with the skills and knowledge that can lead to a variety of career paths. If you’re interested in a future in horticulture, here’s what you need to know. More
Horticulture and Landscaping Courses
Some horticulture programs cover all areas of the industry, with courses on maintaining landscapes, equipment maintenance, plant identification and production, and much more. Business courses may also be part of the curriculum.
There are also broad-focus landscaping programs, which prepare students to design, create and maintain green spaces through courses on landscape design and drafting, the science of horticulture, environmental issues and sustainability, equipment maintenance and other practical theory.
Other horticulture and landscaping programs are more specialized, focusing on a particular area of the industry, such as:
- Greenhouse and Nursery Technician. Greenhouse and nursery technician programs prepare students to work in sales, research or greenhouse and nursery management. Courses include plant science, horticulture entomology, pest management and more.
- Arboriculture. These programs focus on tree and shrub care, teaching skills like tree climbing safety, tree removal, pest identification and removal, and much more. Graduates of these programs often work to preserve trees and shrubs in communities and urban areas.
General Horticulture and Landscaping Program Requirements
Horticulture and landscaping programs at Ontario colleges typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with a Grade 12 English credit. Some programs may also require completion of a First Aid course.
Grade 11 or 12 biology and chemistry and grade 12 mathematics are often strongly recommended.
Horticulture and Landscaping Jobs and Salaries
There are numerous horticulture and landscaping jobs available, from estate gardening and greenhouse operation to landscape designing, nursery and golf course maintenance and much more.
Salaries for entry-level positions in the landscaping and horticulture industry typically start at around $30,000 a year. Many horticulture and landscape technicians go into business for themselves, in which case salary will be determined by the number of clients and the success of the business.
Ontario Colleges Offering Horticulture and Landscaping Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of horticulture and landscaping programs at Ontario colleges. Less
