5 Reasons to Pursue a Degree in Horticulture

Why a Career in Horticulture Is a Wise Decision

• Put Book Learning Into Real-Life Applications
• Promotion of Sustainable Recreation Activities
• Increase Access to Healthy Food for People and Animals
• Addition of Aesthetic Appeal to Residential and Commercial Properties
• Contribution to a Sense of Well-being
  

A person considering a college major should think about these five reasons to pursue a degree in horticulture. Some colleges call this major plant science or agriculture science and offer a specialty in the area of horticulture. Each of these five reasons could resonate with a person who is interested in a career that combines botanical science with other fields of study.

1. Put Book Learning Into Real-life Applications

Learning a subject from a book is often boring. A degree in horticulture allows a person to apply their knowledge. A person who learns about plant genetics for fruit size, smell or color can experiment in a laboratory and create new varieties of roses, hydrangeas, blueberries or apples. Learning about plant pathogens allows a horticulturist to develop plants that are more resistant and have better yields of fruit, grain or vegetables.

2. Promotion of Sustainable Recreation Activities

Earning a degree in horticulture helps a person promote sustainable recreation activities. Many people find it more pleasant to walk on a street or through a park that has pretty flowers, trees and shrubs lining it. When horticulturists develop ornamental plants and nutritious fruits and vegetables, people are more likely to be interested in growing a garden at home.

3. Increase Access to Healthy Food for People and Animals

Horticultural science increases access to healthy food. Many people do not get enough fruits and vegetables, leaving them with a nutritionally deficient diet. Horticulturists often work with small farmers or community-supported agriculture groups to develop fruits and vegetables for human consumption. The animals that are raised for human consumption also benefit from the availability of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Cows are often fed corn on feedlots, and pigs, chickens, turkeys and lamb are also provided with plants to eat. When these animals have a nutritious diet, their meat is healthier and tastier.

4. Addition of Aesthetic Appeal to Residential and Commercial Properties

Ornamental plants provide aesthetic appeal in what might otherwise be a boring environment. City parks use flowering plants to create a colorful and welcoming look. Business owners often turn to ornamental and flowering plants as a way to attract the attention of passersby. Homeowners also want to make their properties look appealing. People also enjoy displaying pretty cut flowers and using them as decorations. Colorful fruits and vegetables also appeal to human aesthetic preferences.

5. Contribution to a Sense of Well-being

According to the American Society for Horticultural Science, another one of the reasons to pursue a degree in horticulture is that it allows a person to contribute to the sense of well-being of others. People enjoy adorning the exterior of their homes and businesses with pretty flowers and ornamental plants. Flower boxes at intersections and in boulevards of public streets offer a sense of calm and pride in the community. Gardening is a satisfying and relaxing hobby for many people, and it helps them feel connected with nature.

Related Resource: 25 Best Affordable Applied Horticulture Degree Programs

Earning a degree in horticulture allows a person to take many types of science classes. The curriculum also usually includes courses in genetics, entomology, plant pathogens and mathematics. A person who is interested in working with plants and helping people and animals should consider all five of these reasons to pursue a degree in horticulture.