Is becoming a horticultural business manager right for me?
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How to become a Horticultural Business Manager
The educational requirements for a horticultural business manager can vary depending on the employer and the specific job duties.
Bachelor’s Degree
While some employers may accept a combination of work experience and some relevant coursework in horticulture and/or business, a bachelor’s degree is often preferred. The most common majors among aspiring horticultural business managers are:
The horticultural business management degree provides a strong foundation in the following areas:
- Plant biology / physiology
- Plant propagation
- Soil science
- Pest management
- Fundamentals of accounting
- Computer hardware, operating environments, and software applications
- Fundamental functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
- The four pillars of marketing: product, price, promotion, and place
- Agricultural law
- Agricultural finance
- Greenhouse management
- Horticulture crop production and management
Internship / Volunteer Experience
By volunteering, or working in a greenhouse, nursery, or garden center during their undergraduate studies, students can significantly increase their employability in the horticultural business management sector. Bachelor’s programs at some schools may partner with horticulture-related businesses to incorporate such opportunities in their curriculum, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience in plant production and care.
Membership in Professional Organizations
There are several organizations for horticultural business managers, which can provide access to professional development opportunities, continuing education, and industry research and resources, as well as a network of like-minded professionals working in the field:
- National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) – This organization represents the landscape industry and provides resources and education for its members.
- American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) – ASHS is a professional society that promotes research and education in all branches of horticulture.
- Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) – PLANET is a trade association that provides education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members in the landscape and lawn care industry.
- International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) – AIPH is a global organization that represents the ornamental horticulture industry and provides resources and support for its members.
- Horticultural Retailers Association (HRA) – HRA is a trade association that represents the interests of horticultural retailers and provides education and networking opportunities for its members.