Horticulture is broadly known as the study and practice of cultivating a garden, both with the aim of beautifying and as a source of getting food and cash crops. By just casually studying things like magazines, books, or even blogs, you can get some very basic but useful knowledge on how to successfully operate a garden.

If you have an interest in going full-time or having a career in horticulture, then you can consider taking an online course.

In this article, you are going to be shown basic but useful steps on how to study horticulture from the comfort of your home.

Step 1

Reading up the Basics of Horticulture

1. Follow and subscribe to a reputable gardening blog

Reading books and magazines may require more of your time than reading through some blog posts would; the advantages of using a blog to study are; they give pretty short and detailed information about the topic you are researching and, in this case, horticulture.

You also have the opportunity to submit your email in order to receive weekly or daily tips about the topic you are researching (horticulture).

2. Read up on some important books for beginners

For someone who is trying to start something like horticulture, reading should be a must. No matter how stressful you consider reading to be, it is still important for you to understand what you are going into.

You can get a book for horticulture from your neighbor who might be a horticulturist, or you can go through your local library store to get quality books and study notes.

  • If you consider looking through the public library a stressful activity, then you might consider going through an online catalog where you can find quality books on horticulture.

3. Do a gardening magazine subscription

Reading magazines has been the method people use in getting casual and basic knowledge, and for someone who does not like reading the information in large chunks, magazines will be the best material for you.

When you subscribe to any gardening magazine, and you receive them weekly or monthly, you can get the useful information you might need in starting your horticultural journey.

Taking Advantage of Online Classes

1. Get a first-degree course

This aspect is basically for those who might have an interest in pursuing a career in horticulture; if you just want to learn the basics that can help you manage a garden, this option is not for you.

To get a good job as a horticulturist, you will have to get an in-depth knowledge of the field, and this will require you to get at least a master’s or bachelor’s degree.

2. Research reputable universities that offer online horticultural classes.

Distance learning is the phase that most of the state, tech, and even Ivy League universities are moving to, so getting a reputable University that offers online horticultural classes will not cause you much stress.

  • Start by opening up your browser and type in “horticultural classes,” and if you are directed to a school that has a price range you can afford, then you can go ahead and register.

3. Take part in a few classes that might interest you.

Horticulture is related to a wide range of courses, and if you make proper research, you might come across different classes that will be interesting to you.

If you decide to take a few of these classes that are not part of horticulture, you might actually learn things that might be of value to you in the future.

Doing the Work

1. Purchase the equipment you will be using in the garden.

When starting up your own garden, you will have to purchase the equipment you will use in the garden; these might be simple tools you can use in the garden. They include:

  • A watering can
  • A watering wand
  • A wheelbarrow
  • Garden hose that comes with an adjustable nozzle
  • A hoe
  • Hand trowel
  • Pruning spears
  • Gloves

Most of these pieces of equipment are essential when trying to start a garden, but you should ensure you purchase quality and durable ones so as to make your working process easy.

2. Volunteer to work at a commercial plant farm

Working in a commercial plant farm would be a perfect way of learning the do’s and don’ts of operating a farm garden, and as someone who wants to get practical knowledge about horticulture, volunteering on a commercial farm will help you in learning a lot.

3. Operate a garden of your own.

After getting theoretical and practical knowledge about horticulture, the next step for you to take is to start a garden of your own. Just like every other skill, the best way to learn horticulture is by doing it, you might find it really difficult in the initial stages, but as time goes on, you will know the things you are supposed to do.

4. Become part of a community garden club.

Take a look through your community bulletin or local newspapers and search for gardening clubs or groups that might be around your residence.

This group of gardeners and horticulturists host seminars and meetings where they teach their members valuable content

information that will be useful in managing their garden.

5. Get a job at local landscaping or nurseries company

If you have an interest in taking a new job, then it will be to your advantage if you take up a job in a landscaping company. Before you decide to take up a job of this nature, ensure that you are physically fit because it is a job that requires heavy lifting and bending.

6. Collaborate with friends

If you have a neighbor, a family member, or a friend that has a garden, then you should visit them sometimes in order to gain more knowledge that will help you manage your own garden.

Wrapping up

Operating a garden successfully is like starting a new business; you might make mistakes at the initial stages, but with time, you will become an expert in it. If you are looking to learn horticulture from your home, ensure to use the steps mentioned in this article.

Thank you so much for your time reading this article, and if you have a question, please leave to comment below, and I’ll be happy to write back to you.