I'm considering a career change into horticulture, but I'm uncertain if it's the right fit for me. I don't have the funds or time for a Bachelor's degree since I work full-time and would need to take classes online. Initially, I was drawn to herbalism and naturopathic medicine, but I'm more interested in hands-on work with plants and nature. I've attended some informative webinars on sustainable gardening and soil biology, and I took a short class on foraging, though I already knew much of the material. I'm seeking advice on whether horticulture would be a good choice for me and how to find a job in this field without a degree. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, I'd advise caution. I just transitioned from horticulture to landscaping and it feels like a much better fit for me. Horticulture can be challenging, with a lack of respect and support in some parts of the industry. If you're more interested in designing flower beds and incorporating native plants, landscaping might be your best bet!
I work in the horticulture field, and I love it! One excellent program I recommend is the Prairie Hort Certificate from Olds College if you're open to online courses. In my experience, these types of programs offer great flexibility, especially if you have a job. While a Master Gardener certificate can be helpful to start, it's usually more hobby-focused. My advice would be to explore more formal education options if you really want to get established in the industry.
You can definitely break into horticulture without a formal degree! A practical option is to look for local gardening centers and apply for jobs there. Getting certified in something like a Master Gardener program could make your resume stand out and help you get a foot in the door.
That sounds interesting! Do you have specific places in mind where I could check for certifications? Any local recommendations?
Thanks for the heads-up! I'm definitely more inclined toward creating designs and working with diverse plants, so landscaping sounds like it might suit me better.