Horticulture/Landscape/Sports Turf Technology

“Turning America Green One Yard at the Time”

If it is growth you are looking for, Horticulture is a good place to start. The Horticulture industry in Florida dates to the late 19th century. The “Green Industry” is one of great diversity, contributing billions of dollars to the economy of the state of Florida.

The purpose of this program is to provide students with advanced training and employment in the horticulture industry. The program focuses on broad, transferable skills and emphasizes training in production horticulture, plant identification, fertilization, pest control, equipment operations, irrigation, landscape construction and maintenance and golf course and athletic field maintenance.

Success in Landscaping Technology

For students to succeed in this program they will need to complete course work in three specific areas:

10th grade: AgScience Foundations and Introductory

• Career Opportunities
• Agricultural Safety
• Plant Identification
• Plant Propagation
• Plant Nutrition
• Pest Identification

11th grade: Horticultural Science/Landscape and Turf Science 1

• Industry Regulations
• Soil Analysis and Fertilization
• Record keeping
• Irrigation Installation and maintenance
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance
• Pesticide Application
(Capstone Project started this year)

12th grade: Landscape and Turf Science 2 and Sport Turf

•Chemical Applications and Equipment Calibration
• Landscape Design/Estimates/Contracts
• Landscape Lay Out and Installation
• Sports Turf Maintenance
• Turfgrass Installation
(Capstone Project completed this year)
(ACE Program for Cooperative on the job training available)

Career Opportunities

• Horticulture Grower
• Plant Inspector
• Forester
• Landscape Contractor
• Landscape Designer / Architect
• Irrigation Contractor/Technician|
• Equipment Technician
• Park Managers
• Sports Turf Manager
• Golf Course Superintendent

Colleges in the Southeast offering Horticulture degrees

• Pensacola Junior College – Pensacola, FL
• Lake City Community College – Lake City, FL
• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – Tifton, GA
• Faulkner State – Bay Minette, AL
• University of Florida – Gainesville and Milton, FL
• Auburn University – Auburn, AL
•Mississippi State University – Starkville, MS

Articulation Agreements

There is an agreement with Pensacola Junior College Milton, FL whereby WFHS students can earn up to 9 credit hours towards a Landscape Technology degree.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are eligible to join the FFA youth organization which offers many opportunities in the areas of leadership and self development. Activities include leadership (parliamentary procedure, public speaking) and individual career development events (judging teams, tractor driving, and proficiency awards). Our club has an active membership not only in State of Florida FFA but the National FFA organization.

In addition, students are encouraged to join professional horticulture associations as student members. Also, students are encouraged to obtain the first level of professionalism in the Florida Nurseryman by taking the Florida Nurseryman Growers Association Professional Certification. This would enable students to earn higher entry level wages

Contact Information

Melissa Gibbs (850-941-6200 ext. 2168)
mgibbs@escambia.k12.fl.us