Term Effective: Fall 2005

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Environmental Horticulture: Nursery Production Skills Skills Certificate introduces students to the propagation and growing of plants for use in the home, business, or landscape. Nursery production work involves plant propagation by seed and vegetative methods and the production of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, herbs, cut flowers, and indoor plants. The program provides a broad base of plant knowledge and nursery skills, and it emphasizes hands-on learning as most courses incorporate lab activities that apply knowledge and skills in realistic settings.

The certificate program is the second level in the Nursery program, and is designed to allow students the option of entering a variety of jobs with preparation for rapid advancement in their chosen occupations and for continuing education. Completion of the Horticulture: Nursery Production Skills Skills Certificate fulfills a portion of the Horticulture: Nursery Technician Skills Certificate and a portion of the Horticulture: Nursery Management Certificate of Achievement.

The Horticulture industry, which involves the growing, selling, planting and servicing of plants and landscapes for human environments, is one of the fastest growing industries in America. The landscape industry in California is one of the state's largest industries. University studies have consistently found this dynamic, growing sector represents over $12 billion in sales and 130,000 employees. In addition, designed and maintained landscapes cover more than 1.6 million acres in California.

In Sonoma County the nursery industry has expanded dramatically in the last decade. Retail nurseries and full-service garden centers have seen substantial increases in sales from previous years, and demand for employees with plant knowledge and nursery skills continues to grow.

For more information see the Agriculture Department website.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.