Horticulture Technology

These curricula are designed to prepare individuals for various careers in horticulture. Classroom instruction and practical laboratory applications of horticultural principles and practices are included in the program of study.

Course work includes plant identification, pest management, plant science and soil science. Also included are courses in sustainable plant production and management, landscaping, and the operation of horticulture businesses.

Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of positions associated with nurseries, garden centers, greenhouses, landscape operations, governmental agencies/parks, golf courses, sports complexes, highway vegetation, turf maintenance companies, and private and public gardens. Graduates should also be prepared to take the North Carolina Pesticide Applicator's Examination and/or the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional Examination.

Learning Outcomes

  • Exhibit minimum proficiency in the use of equipment and tools used in horticulture, including but not limited to environmental systems, installation and maintenance equipment, irrigation.
  • Demonstrate plant knowledge through correct identification of locally important plant species, selection of proper propagation techniques, appropriate use in the landscape, and best maintenance practices.
  • Apply the scientific principles required for the sustainable use of natural resources (soil, water, nutrients, pest management) to produce a crop or ornamental landscape.

Contact Information

Image of Donna Riddle
Donna Riddle, MS
Lead Instructor of Horticulture
Phone: 336-838-6435
deriddle368@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

This part of the website is currently undergoing maintenance. Please refer to the WCC Catalog for program information.

Technical Standards

The Horticulture Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard Essential Function Examples
Communication
Oral / Written
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Communicate in a professional manner with coworkers and customers
  • Read and understand work orders, instruction manuals, material safety data sheets and warning signs
Mobility / Motor Skills
  • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
  • Mobility sufficient to maneuver in varied terrain
  • Ability to safely operate light equipment
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  • Use hand tools such as pruners, grafting knives, rakes, and shovels
  • Move in terrain such as uphill, downhill, gravel, pavement, dirt, etc.
  • Use light equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, pest control equipment
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Stooping
    • Reaching
    • Squatting
    • Lifting
    • Bending
Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work reasonable required hours
  • Carry bagged fertilizer and potting mixes
  • Work an eight-hour shift with mandated breaks
Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and textures of various materials
  • Determine different varieties of plants
  • Detect odors related to potentially toxic or poisonous substances (plants, chemicals)
Environmental / Occupational Exposure
  • Possible exposure to common allergens
  • Possible exposure to weather conditions
  • Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes
  • Allergens such as dust, hay, grass, pollen
  • Prolonged periods in various outdoor climates (heat, cold, rain)
  • Fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, etc.
Field or Industry Professional Standards
  • Continue industry education
  • Attend workshops, tradeshows, maintain certification CEUs

Disability Services Statement

Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.

Associate to Bachelor Agreements

An Associate to Bachelor agreement is an opportunity for students to complete their Associate's degree at Wilkes Community College and then transfer into a specified program at a partnering four-year institution for their Bachelor's degree. Wilkes Community College has the following Associate to Bachelor agreements for our Horticulture Technology graduates:

CPP Map

View the CPP Map for GPS locations of plants on the Certified Plant Professional Exam. Feel free to visit our campus and self-tour if you are planning to take the state certification exam.