HORTICULTURE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The NYBG Horticulture Program blends classroom theory with field studies in the Garden’s historic landscape, teaching students how to form and care for healthy, sustainable landscapes. Courses are designed and taught by landscape professionals, botanists, and practicing horticulturists. The program offers a high standard of training in four areas of concentration:

Horticulture Certificate Track 1: Plant Production

OVERVIEW

Gain the skills to propagate and produce an array of native and non-native plants for nurseries, garden centers, and landscape-restoration projects.

REQUIRED COURSES

COURSE	CODE		HOURS
Introduction to Plant Science	HRT 300		16
Soil Science I: Physical Properties	HRT 301		18
Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition	HRT 302	P	18
Horticultural Techniques: Greenhouse Practices	HRT 312	P	15
Insect Pests of Landscape Plants	HRT 381	P	18
Plant Propagation I: Basic Principles	HRT 411	P	18
Plant Propagation II: Applications	HRT 412	P	18
Disease Identification & Management	HRT 481	P	18
Nursery and Greenhouse Management	HRT 491	P	24
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS			163

 

Horticulture Certificate Track 2: Sustainable Landscape Management

OVERVIEW

Understand landscape maintenance and management practices using the concept "right plant—right place" in residential and commercial landscapes.

REQUIRED COURSES

COURSE	CODE		HOURS
Introduction to Plant Science	HRT 300		16
Soil Science I: Physical Properties	HRT 301		18
Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition	HRT 302	P	18
Horticultural Techniques: Landscape Gardening	HRT 311	P	18
Pruning Principles and Practices	HRT 321	P	15
Basic Design and Installation of Irrigation Systems	HRT 323		12
Business Practices for the Landscape Professional	HRT 457		12
Insect Pests of Landscape Plants	HRT 381	P	18
Tree Management	HRT 422	P	14
Landscape Management	HRT 443	P	24
Disease Identification & Management	HRT 481	P	18
Invasive Weed Identification & Management	HRT 482	P	12
Mathematics for Horticulturists	HRT 356		6
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS			201

 

Horticulture Certificate Track 3: Arboriculture

OVERVIEW

Know how to grow, prune, care for, and manage trees in parks, residential sites, and urban environments.

REQUIRED COURSES

COURSE	CODE		HOURS
Introduction to Plant Science	HRT 300		16
Soil Science I: Physical Properties	HRT 301		18
Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition	HRT 302	P	18
Tree Climbing for Arborists	HRT 304		15
Chainsaws: Use, Safety, and Maintenance	HRT 308		6
Pruning Principles and Practices	HRT 321	P	15
Landscape Plants: Fall Trees and Shrubs	HRT 331	P	12
Landscape Plants: Conifers	HRT 333	P	12
Landscape Plants: Spring Trees and Shrubs	HRT 334	P	12
Insect Pests of Landscape Plants	HRT 381	P	18
Tree Management	HRT 422	P	14
Urban Tree Care	HRT 426	P	12
Winter Tree Identification	HRT 440	P	8
Disease Identification & Management	HRT 481	P	18
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS			194

 

Horticulture Certificate Track 4: Sustainable Garden Design

OVERVIEW

Be able to design small-scale gardens for home, communities, and individuals.

REQUIRED COURSES

COURSE	CODE		HOURS
Introduction to Plant Science	HRT 300		16
Soil Science I: Physical Properties	HRT 301		18
Landscape Plants: Broadleaved Evergreens	HRT 332	P	9
Landscape Plants: Spring Trees and Shrubs	HRT 334	P	12
Landscape Plants: Spring Perennials	HRT 336	P	9
Landscape Plants: Late Season Perennials & Grasses	HRT 338	P	12
Landscape Plants: Annuals	HRT 341	P	8
Landscape Plants: Bulbs	HRT 342	P	12
Annual and Perennial Garden Maintenance	HRT 344	P	8
Plants for Landscaping	HRT 358		16
Plant Communities	HRT 140	P	6
Sustainable Garden Care	HRT 395	P	8
Sustainable Garden Design	HRT 551	P	20
Landscape Design History	LAN 301		24
Graphics I: Hand Rendering	LAN 311		24
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS			202

P = Courses with a prerequisite before you can register.

If there is no session available for a particular course, please check back when we announce the next season of classes.

NYBG’s SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

NYBG’s School for Horticulture and Landscape Design (SHLD) provides committed students with an opportunity to take their interests to the next level. SHLD is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, which recognizes our Certificate Programs as high quality and career-oriented.

Any student who pursues a Certificate in Horticulture at NYBG for professional reasons is required by the State to formally enroll in our program. Once enrolled, you will receive educational guidance from NYBG staff throughout the program. For more information, see our State Licensing and Accreditation page.