Horticulture Technology
The Horticulture Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in horticulture. Classroom instruction and practical laboratory applications of horticultural principles and practices are included in the program of study.
Coursework includes plant science, plant materials, propagation, soils, fertilizers, and pest management. Horticulture Technology is a program that focuses on
- the general production and management of cultivated plants, shrubs, flowers, foliage, trees, ground covers, and related plant materials,
- the management of technical and business operations connected with horticultural services, and
- the basic science principles needed to understand plants and their management and care.
Also included are courses in plant production, landscaping, and the management and operation of horticulture businesses.
Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in nurseries, garden centers, greenhouses, landscape operations, gardens, and governmental agencies. Graduates also should be prepared to take the following exams:
- the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional Exam,
- the licensed pesticide applicators exam, and
- the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist exam.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in horticulture employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Horticulture Technology (A15240)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science - Horticulture Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent (available through Central Piedmont ) is required.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required in English and mathematics. Developmental Studies mathematics and English courses are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Consult with an Advisement Counselor and attend an orientation session after placement testing.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Horticulture Technology program is in the Education and Training Division. For more information, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.4826.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Sociology of the Family | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| HOR 112 | Landscape Design I | 3.0 |
| HOR 116 | Landscape Management I | 3.0 |
| or TRF 152 | Landscape Maintenance | |
| HOR 124 | Nursery Operations | 3.0 |
| or HOR 134 | Greenhouse Operations | |
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| HOR 161 | Plant Materials II | 3.0 |
| HOR 162 | Applied Plant Science | 3.0 |
| HOR 164 | Horticultural Pest Management | 3.0 |
| or TRF 240 | Turfgrass Pest Control | |
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| HOR 168 | Plant Propagation | 3.0 |
| HOR 257 | Arboriculture Practices | 2.0 |
| TRF 110 | Introduction Turfgrass Cultivation & Id And Identification | 4.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| SPA 120 | Spanish for the Workplace | 3.0 |
| BUS 139 | Entrepreneurship I | 3.0 |
| or BUS 230 | Small Business Management | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Landscape Construction | ||
| Equipment Operation and Maintenance | ||
| Fruit & Vegetable Production | ||
| Introduction to Horticulture Therapy | ||
| Horticultural Computer Applications | ||
| Landscape Design II | ||
| Landscape Irrigation | ||
| Horticultural Specialty Crops | ||
| Insects & Diseases | ||
| Interiorscapes | ||
| Arboriculture Practices | ||
| Advanced Plant Materials | ||
| Native Flora ID | ||
| Landscape Maintenance | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificates (C15240)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Landscape Design (C15240-C1)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Horticulture Maintenance (C15240-C5)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Plant Production (C15240-C6)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Horticulture (C15240-C7)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Landscape Maintenance (C15240-C8)
- Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Urban Agriculture (C15240-C9)
Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Landscape Design (C15240-C1)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for horticultural careers in the specialized area of landscape design. Coursework includes plant materials, design, graphics and landscape computer applications.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| HOR 213 | Landscape Design II | 3.0 |
| HOR 112 | Landscape Design I | 3.0 |
| HOR 161 | Plant Materials II | 3.0 |
| HOR 170 | Horticultural Computer Applications | 2.0 |
| HOR 265 | Advanced Plant Materials | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Horticulture Maintenance (C15240-C5)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for horticultural careers in maintaining landscape and turf areas. Coursework includes plant materials, pest management and landscape and turfgrass management.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 116 | Landscape Management I | 3.0 |
| HOR 164 | Horticultural Pest Management | 3.0 |
| HOR 118 | Equipment Operation and Maintenance | 2.0 |
| or HOR 257 | Arboriculture Practices | |
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| or HOR 161 | Plant Materials II | |
| HOR 253 | Horticulture Turfgrass | 3.0 |
| or TRF 110 | Introduction Turfgrass Cultivation & Id And Identification | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Plant Production (C15240-C6)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for horticultural careers as growers of nursery and greenhouse crops. Coursework includes plant materials, pest management, propagation and the operation of nurseries and greenhouses.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 124 | Nursery Operations | 3.0 |
| HOR 134 | Greenhouse Operations | 3.0 |
| HOR 164 | Horticultural Pest Management | 3.0 |
| HOR 168 | Plant Propagation | 3.0 |
| HOR 161 | Plant Materials II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificate Specialization in Horticulture (C15240-C7)
This program also is available to high school students through the Career and College Promise program.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| HOR 162 | Applied Plant Science | 3.0 |
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| HOR 168 | Plant Propagation | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificate Specialization in Landscape Maintenance (C15240-C8)
This program also is available to high school students through the Career and College Promise program.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| HOR 162 | Applied Plant Science | 3.0 |
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| HOR 168 | Plant Propagation | 3.0 |
| HOR 253 | Horticulture Turfgrass | 3.0 |
| TRF 152 | Landscape Maintenance | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Horticulture Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Urban Agriculture (C15240-C9)
This program also is available to high school students through the Career and College Promise program.
| HOR 134 | Greenhouse Operations | 3.0 |
| HOR 142 | Fruit & Vegetable Production | 2.0 |
| HOR 164 | Horticultural Pest Management | 3.0 |
| HOR 168 | Plant Propagation | 3.0 |
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
HOR 112. Landscape Design I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers landscape principles and practices for residential and commercial sites. Emphasis is placed on drafting, site analysis, and common elements of good design, plant material selection, and proper plant utilization (encouraged use of native plants and discouraged use of invasive species). Upon completion, students should be able to read plans and draft a landscape design according to sustainable practices.
HOR 114. Landscape Construction. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the design and fabrication of landscape structures/features. Emphasis is placed on safety, tool identification and use, material selection, construction techniques, and fabrication. Upon completion, students should be able to design and construct common landscape structures/features.
HOR 116. Landscape Management I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers information and skills necessary to analyze a property and develop a management schedule. Emphasis is placed on property measurement, plant condition, analysis of client needs, and plant culture needs. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a property, develop management schedules, and implement practices based on client needs.
HOR 118. Equipment Operation and Maintenance. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the proper operation and maintenance of selected equipment used in horticulture. Emphasis is placed on the maintenance, minor repairs, safety devices, and actual operation of selected equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to design a maintenance schedule, service equipment, and demonstrate safe operation of selected equipment.
HOR 124. Nursery Operations. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers nursery site and crop selection, cultural practices, and production and marketing methods. Topics include site considerations, water availability, equipment, irrigation, fertilization, containers, media, and pest control. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement a nursery operation and grow and harvest nursery crops.
HOR 134. Greenhouse Operations. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the principles and procedures involved in the operation and maintenance of greenhouse facilities. Emphasis is placed on the operation of greenhouse systems, including the environmental control, record keeping, scheduling, and production practices. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to operate greenhouse systems and facilities to produce greenhouse crops.
HOR 142. Fruit & Vegetable Production. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the principles and techniques of growing fruits and field-grown vegetables. Topics include site selection, proper varietal selection, nutritional values, cultural techniques, harvesting and marketing, and insect and disease control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles related to the production of selected fruits and vegetables.
HOR 150. Introduction to Horticulture. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the history, development, and basic techniques of horticulture. Topics include propagation techniques, planting procedures, watering and fertility, plant growth, pest and disease control, and garden design and history. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of horticulture. Students will explore horticultural careers, organizations, and reference materials.
HOR 154. Introduction to Horticulture Therapy. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the concept of horticulture therapy and how it can be applied to improve human well-being. Emphasis is placed on developing a horticulture therapy program, planning activities, and adjusting activities based on the age, disability, or need of the individual. Upon completion, students should be able to develop project ideas, write lesson plans, and lead informal classes using horticulture therapy techniques.
HOR 160. Plant Materials I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers identification, culture, characteristics, and use of plants in a sustainable landscape. Emphasis is placed on nomenclature, identification, growth requirements, cultural requirements, soil preferences, and landscape applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the proper selection and utilization of plant materials, including natives and invasive plants.
HOR 161. Plant Materials II. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides a supplementary opportunity to cover identification, culture, characteristics, and use of plants in a sustainable landscape, giving students a broader knowledge of available landscape plants for utilization in landscapes and plant production. Emphasis is placed on nomenclature, identification, growth requirements, cultural requirements, soil preferences, landscape applications and expansion of the plant palette. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the proper selection and utilization of plant materials, including natives and invasive plants.
HOR 162. Applied Plant Science. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the basic concepts of botany as they apply to horticulture. Topics include nomenclature, physiology, morphology, and anatomy as they apply to plant culture. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the basic principles of botany to horticulture.
HOR 164. Horticultural Pest Management. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the identification and management of plant pests including insects, diseases, and weeds. Topics include pest identification and beneficial organisms, pesticide application safety and use of least toxic methods of management. Upon completion, students should be able to manage common landscape pests using least toxic methods of control and be prepared to sit for North Carolina Commercial Pesticide Ground Applicators license. Students will apply the Integrated Pest Management Model in plant management.
HOR 166. Soils and Fertilizers. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the physical and chemical properties of soils and soil fertility and management. Topics include soil formation; classification; physical, chemical, and biological properties (including microorganisms); testing; and fertilizer application. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze, evaluate, and properly amend soils/media according to sustainable practices.
HOR 168. Plant Propagation. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course is a study of sexual and asexual reproduction of plants. Emphasis is placed on seed propagation, grafting, stem and root propagation, micro-propagation, and other propagation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully propagate ornamental plants.
HOR 170. Horticultural Computer Applications. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces computer programs as they apply to the horticulture industry. Emphasis is placed on applications of software for plant identification, design, and irrigation. Upon completion, students should be able to use computer programs in horticultural situations. Students will create a CAD drawing of a landscape.
HOR 213. Landscape Design II. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers residential and commercial landscape design, cost analysis, and installation. Emphasis is placed on job cost estimates, installation of the landscape design, and maintenance techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to read landscape design blueprints, develop cost estimates, and implement the design.
HOR 215. Landscape Irrigation. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic irrigation design, layout, and installation. Topics include site analysis, components of irrigation systems, safety, types of irrigation systems, and installation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to design and install basic landscape irrigation systems.
HOR 217. Landscape Management II. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional opportunities to design plans, write contracts, and present proposals. Emphasis is placed on the development, pricing, and presentation of proposals and additional exploration of cultural applications. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a property, develop a management plan, and price and present that plan.
HOR 218. Advanced Equipment Operations and Maintenance. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the advanced repair and operation of selected equipment utilized in horticulture. Topics include diagnosis, service, maintenance and complex repairs of small and medium two- and four-cycle engine horticultural equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair commonly used landscape equipment and communicate information concerning the repairs and the necessary maintenance schedule in a professional manner.
HOR 225. Nursery Production. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers all aspects of nursery crop production. Emphasis is placed on field production and covers soils, nutrition, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce a marketable nursery crop.
HOR 235. Greenhouse Production. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the production of greenhouse crops. Emphasis is placed on product selection and production based on market needs and facility availability, including record keeping. Upon completion, students should be able to select and make production schedules to successfully produce greenhouse crops.
HOR 245. Horticultural Specialty Crops. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the techniques and requirements for the production of horticultural crops of special or local interest. Topics include development of a local market, proper varietal selection, cultural practices, site selection, and harvesting and marketing practices. Upon completion, students should be able to choose, grow, and market a horticultural crop of special or local interest.
HOR 251. Insects & Diseases. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces insects and diseases of economic importance to horticultural crops. Topics include insect life cycles and identifying characteristics; plant diseases, including their signs and symptoms; control methods; and insect scouting for IPM. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of insect and disease identification, collection, and control.
HOR 253. Horticulture Turfgrass. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers information and skill development necessary to establish and manage landscape turfgrasses. Topics include grass identification, establishment, cultural requirements, application of control products, fertilization, and overseeding techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a landscape site and determine those cultural and physical activities needed to establish or mange a quality turf.
HOR 255. Interiorscapes. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers plant selection, design, and management for interior settings. Topics include tropical plant identification, cultural requirements, insect and disease identification and control, and design and management requirements for interior plants. Upon completion, students should be able to design, install, and manage plants in interior settings.
HOR 257. Arboriculture Practices. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the culture and maintenance of trees and shrubs. Topics include fertilization, pruning, approved climbing techniques, pest control, and equipment use and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to properly prune trees and shrubs and perform arboricultural practices.
HOR 265. Advanced Plant Materials. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers important landscape plants. Emphasis is placed on identification, plant nomenclature, growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and landscape uses. Upon completion, studentsshould be able to correctly select plants for specific landscape uses.
HOR 268. Advanced Propagation. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers applied production techniques for asexual and sexual plant propagation. Emphasis is placed on the major accepted methods of asexual propagation and sexual propagation of woody ornamental plants, with evaluation of all initiated propagation. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully propagate a variety of plant materials utilizing methods covered in the course.
HOR 273. Horticultural Management & Marketing. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the steps involved in starting or managing a horticultural business. Topics include financing, regulations, market analysis, employer/employee relations, formulation of business plans, and operational procedures in a horticultural business. Upon completion, students should be able to assume ownership or management of a horticultural business.