College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Horticulture

Overview

Horticulture is plant science that includes the study of plant growth and plant interactions with the environment (soil, air, water) to improve human life through the cultivation of crops and the maintenance of a sustainable environment. Horticulture is unique as a scientific field of study in that it often utilizes artistic expression to aid the design of human landscapes and to restore natural environments. At its core it is an environmental science that recognizes that humans are dependent on their environment for sustenance and well-being that has developed as a field of study that recognizes humans are philosophically and artistically linked to nature through millions of years of human evolution.

Virginia Tech’s Department of Horticulture offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a range of applied and basic environmental plant science topics, from plant-soil interactions, biotechnology, landscape design, sustainable urban landscaping, urban forestry, crop production, and plant breeding. Our department is committed to engaging students in service and learning projects in the local community. To read more about our Engaged Department Award, http://www.hort.vt.edu/newsCSECP.html.

Landscape Contracting Major

Students learn to design, build, and manage beautiful and functional landscapes using science-based practices that improve the living environment and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Landscape Contracting Recommended Course of Study
http://www.hort.vt.edu/Documents/UndergradSuggCurrLcon.pdf

Environmental Horticulture Major

Experience the creativity and rewards of the many facets of horticulture. Students can specialize in producing floriculture and nursery plants, growing sustainable fruits and vegetables, landscape design and management, and other areas of plant science.

Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Environmental Horticulture Recommended Course of Study
http://www.hort.vt.edu/Documents/UndergradSuggCurrEnvHort.pdf

Satisfactory Progress

By the end of the academic year in which the student has attempted 72 hours (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing and credit by exam), "satisfactory progress" toward the B.S. degree will include the following minimum criteria:

• having a grade point average of 2.0, overall and in-major
• passing at least 24 semester credits that apply to the Curriculum for Liberal Education
• passing the following:

  MATH 1014 and 1025
  CHEM 1035 and 1036
  HORT 2224, 2234 or 2244
  6 credits additional HORT courses
  6 credits from CSES 3114 or 3134, ENT 4254, PPWS 4104

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (HORT)

2134 (FOR 2134): PLANTS AND GREENSPACES IN URBAN COMMUNITIES
Modern concepts of sustainability changing plant use in urban settings. Fundamentals of urban horticulture and urban ecosystems. Philosophy of sustainability, urban forestry, urban wildlife, sustainable and community-supported agriculture, and innovations merging plant and ecosystem functions with building and site engineering. Multi-disciplinary emphasis in individual, community, regional, and global scales. (3H,3C)

2144: INDOOR PLANTS
Basic horticultural principles, identification and cultural criteria applicable to foliage and flowering plants grown indoors. Specific plant groups discussed include ferns, cacti and succulents, and carnivorous plants, among many others. Non-majors only. (3H,3C)

2154 (SPAN 2154): SPANISH FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY
Dialogue-based language course focusing on the vocabulary and grammatical structures pertaining to Green and Agricultural Industry jobs. Includes vocabulary and context specific to jobs and workers in greenhouse, nursery, turf and landscape environments. Spanish culture is included throughout the course along with grammar and structure. Prior study in Spanish is helpful but not required. I, II. (3H,3C)

2164: FLORAL DESIGN
Principles and methods in floral art through designs for home and public environments. (2H,3L,3C) I,II.

2184: PLANTS PLACES CULTURE GLOBALLY
The impact of worldwide production and trade in fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants (horticultural commodities) on cultures, economies, politics, environment, science, and technology. Globalization fundamentals, horticultural trade aspects, and individual commodity case studies illustrate inextricable interactions between horticultural crops, places, and people. (3H,3C)

2204 (ALS 2204): INTRO CIVIC AGRICULTURE
Introduction to the economic, social, and ecological foundations of civic agriculture. Topics include industrialization, localized food systems, and citizen participation in civic agriculture. Emphasis will be given to a range of civic agriculture models, strategies, and hands-on approaches to establish, retain and strengthen community-based food and agriculture systems. (3H,3C)

2224: HORTICULTURE SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
Survey course of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamentals) and enterprises. Includes plant science and business aspects of horticultural production and service industries, and introduces related issues and emerging technologies such as work force characteristics, organic production, and biotechnology. I. (2H,2C)

2234: ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN HORTICULTURE
Principles and practices in managing environmental factors - temperature, water, light, atmospheric gases and pollutants, and soil and minerals - that influence growth and production of horticultural plants. (3H,3C) II.

2244: PLANT PROPAGATION
Principles and practices of plant propagation by sexual and asexual methods. (2H,2L,3C) II.

2254: FOODSHEDS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Study of foodsheds, civic agriculture and components of sustainable agriculture systems principles, exploring the evolution of agriculture from traditional farming practices to the emergence of a new agrarianism in the early 21st century. (3H,3C)

2304 (BIOL 2304): PLANT BIOLOGY
Introductory botany. Form, growth, function, reproduction, and ecological adaptations of major groups of plants. Pre: BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106. (3H,3C) I,II.

2554 (FOR 2254): ARBORICULTURE FIELD SKILLS
Field observation, discussion, and practice of skills employed in the management of urban landscape trees. Hands-on experience with tree pruning, removal, pest control, fertilization, cabling/bracing, lightning protection, and climbing. Emphasis on arborist safety, professional ethics, and best management practices. Guest instruction provided in part by professionals working in the tree care industry. Pass/Fail only. (3L,1C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3114 (FST 3114): WINES AND VINES
Principles and standard practices of wine grape production, processing, and sensory evaluation for students with a professional interest in premium table wines. Junior standing and instructor consent required. (2H,2L,3C) II.

3325-3326: WOODY LANDSCAPE PLANTS
Functions, growing requirements, hardiness, problems, and methods of identification of landscape plant materials. 3325: Commonly available woody landscape plants. 3326: Native and rare woody landscape plants. Junior standing required. I (2H,3L,3C)

3345,3346: HERBACEOUS LANDSCAPE PLANTS
Identification, growing requirements, culture, landscape use, flowering and dormancy physiology, and unique propagation of native and exotic herbaceous plants for temperate environments. 3345: Summer and fall-flowering ornamental annuals and perennials; cultivated wildflower, wetland, and aquatic systems. 3346: Winter and spring-flowering species and related herbaceous foliage plants. Junior standing required. Pre: 2244. (1H,3L,2C) 3345: I:3345. II:3346; 3346:

3354 (FOR 3354): URBAN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE
Biology, ecology, and management of trees and forested green space in urban and urban-rural interface environments. Life-cycle management of landscape trees, including selection and planting, cultivation and preservation, and utilization and recycling. Urban forest planning, site evaluation, diagnostics, and risk management are emphasized. Pre: (FOR 2314 or BIOL 2304 or HORT 2304), (FOR 2324 or HORT 3325 or HORT 3326). (3H,3C)

3444 (CSES 3444): WORLD CROPS AND SYSTEMS
An introduction to world crops, their primary regions of production, the factors that determine where they are grown, and their economic importance, and how they are used in the human diet. Describes the various factors that can be managed to improve crop yields. Examines present and potential systems of farming for improved crop production in the major climatic and soil ecosystems of the world. Provides an opportunity to taste foods made in traditional and non-traditional ways from the crops hence from field to fork. Junior standing required. (2H,3L,3C)

3524 (LAR 3524): HISTORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
A study of the design-form and structure of landscape architectural works from the Bronze Age to the present, including the influence of physical, climatological, and social context, and of the individual designers. Junior standing required. I (3H,3C)

3544: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
Survey of landscape construction materials and methods. Concentration on small scale and residential applications, innovative uses, and cost estimates. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.

3584: LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING PRACTICUM
The development of practical skills in landscape contracting. The course will rotate between design and installation of water gardens, landscape irrigation systems, landscape lighting or other pertinent topics on consecutive years. The course can be repeated for exposure to specific subjects to maximum of 3 credits. Junior standing required. Pass/Fail only. Pre: 2224, 2234. (3L,1C)

3644: LANDSCAPE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Principles and practices of the establishment and management of sustainable landscapes including site assessment, soil rehabilitation, plant establishment, pruning, irrigation, and maintenance. Emphasis is on hands-on approaches to achieving sustainable landscapes that protect and enhance the environment. Pre: 2234 or 3325 or 2134 or FOR 2324. (2H,3L,3C)

3664: HARDSCAPE MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION
Non-plant portions of landscape construction such as rock walls, paver floors, arbors, and water gardens. The course covers the materials, construction methods, and business aspects required for hardscape construction. Pre: 2224. (6L,2C)

4004: HORTICULTURE SEMINAR
Assessment of fundamental horticultural skills developed through academics and employment. Includes career placement preparation and problem solving through research and production project design and implementation using a team approach. Junior standing required. (1H,1C)

4205,4206: PUBLIC GARDENS MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT
4205: Principles and practices of winter annuals and spring blooming bulb production and installation; water garden cultivation and systems maintenance; fall fertilization programming; vegetative waste management; information dissemination and communication methods for public outreach including education, interpretive programs, and fundraising. 4206: Principles and practices of pruning, summer annual production; soil amendment and protection; plant collections/accessions curation and database management; personnel and financial management issues unique to public gardens. Pre: Junior standing required. Pre: (3325, 3326, 3345), (3346 or 3644). (3L,1C)

4324: GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT
For persons who intend to manage or advise those managing greenhouses. Includes greenhouse construction, environmental controls, disease/insect identification and management, control of plant growth, root-zone management, and marketing and management principles specific to greenhouse operations. Pre: Coursework or experience in plant growth and environmental management required. (3H,3C)

4504: LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING
Capstone course for students entering the landscape contracting industry. Includes contracts, site plan interpretation, cost estimation and bidding, project sequencing, business marketing, irrigation design, and current issues. Emphasis on real-world skills and problem solving. Pre-requisite: Senior Standing required. Pre: 3264, 4004. (1H,3L,2C)

4545-4546: SMALL SCALE AND RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Development of graphic skills with concentration on a variety of media and techniques. Basic theory and principles on design of small scale and residential landscapes with emphasis on spatial composition, user needs, ecology, and uses of plant materials and light construction. 4545, I; 4546, II. Pre: 3325, 3544 for 4545; 3325, 3544, 4545, 4545 for 4546. (2H,6L,4C)

4614: ORNAMENTAL PLANT PRODUCTION AND MARKETING
In-depth production and marketing of woody and herbaceous plants in wholesale nursery and floriculture/greenhouse and related retail outlets. Includes production laboratory. Pre: 2234, 2244, 4324, AAEC 2434. (2H,3L,3C)

4644: SMALL FRUIT PRODUCTION
Propagation, production, and marketing of small fruit crops for the mid-Atlantic region. Emphasis on sustainable practices, market sectors, and health and nutritional benefits. Blueberries, strawberries, brambles and other crops. Pre: 2234, 2244, AAEC 2434. (3H,3C)

4654: VITICULTURE
Overview of grapevine growth and development, factors affecting yield and grape quality, and regional industry. Vineyard financial considerations, site evaluation, varietal characteristics plus cultural practices of pruning, training, canopy management, fertilization and pest management. Pre: 2234. (3H,3C)

4764: VEGETABLE CROPS
A comprehensive study of major and minor vegetable crops of Virginia, the U.S., and world in relation to production practices, crop development, nutritional value, and quality characteristics. I Pre: 2234. (3H,3C)

4784: VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION
The study of production agriculture or reproductive biology. Seed production, handling, identification, conditioning, enhancement, packaging, storage, testing, federal standards, and biotechnology. Pre: 4764 or 2244 or equivalent experience in vegetable crops, plant propagation, or plant growth and development. Pre: 4764 or 2244. (2H,2C)

4794: MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBS
Comprehensive study of medicinal plants/herbs history, production, processing, lore and documented scientific benefits. Traditional plant medicinal practices of Native Americans, Chinese, Indians, European and African cultures will be contrasted with use of contemporary herbal products. Pre: BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105. (3H,3C)

4835-4836: ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
Detailed practices in organic vegetable production. Issues in starting organic production, profitability, organic transition strategies and organic certification. Pre: 2254, ALS 3404 for 4835; 4835 for 4836. (2H,2C)

4845-4846: ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION LABORATORY
Field experiences, demonstrations, and farm tours complementing 4835 and 4836 lectures. Co: 4835 for 4845; 4836 for 4846. (3L,1C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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