The Horticulture Industry in Maryland (also referred to as the Nursery and Landscape Industry) includes wholesale and retail production, sales, installation, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bedding plants/annuals, seasonal greenhouse crops, aquatic plants, cut flowers, and Christmas trees. This industry is the number two incoming-producing commodity within Maryland agriculture, behind poultry.  It has a quiet, but powerful presence in the state agriculture community.  

The Horticulture Industry is the fastest growing segment within Agriculture. Mechanization, technology, business management, and marketing are among the most important future needs for the industry.

There are many employment opportunities available in Horticulture in Maryland.  For a primer in Maryland Horticulture and types of careers available, please read below.

If you have questions regarding careers within the Horticulture Industry, contact area middle and high school guidance counselors, people working within the industry, associations, clubs, community colleges, universities, trade schools, and local, state, and federal agencies.  Links to college programs are below.

If you're considering a career in landscaping, take a look at this short informational video that highlights this engaging industry. See also the federal report on green-industry occupations and some suggestions on how to start your career.

Career Choices

Jobs in Horticulture
Just a few of the management and staff opportunities include Propagation, Growing, IPM/Pest Control, Nutrient Management, Field Production, Container Production, Greenhouse Production, Aquatic Plant Production, Tissue Culture, and Garden Center Operations.

Jobs in Landscape
Management and staff positions related to landscape operations include Designers/ Architects, Estimators/ Sales Staff, Plant/Supply Buyers, Production, Operations, Maintenance, and IPM/Pest Control.

Jobs in Business Operations and Support
Horticultural businesses also require support staff. Support activities include office management, business management, human resource management, marketing, sales and tech. administration. Business partners are equally import for providing continuing education, research & development, extension, legislative review & action, and are often provided by Associations, Colleges and Institutions.

Qualifications

Entry Level
The following skills are necessary for entry-level positions: Reading, math, language, positive work ethic, understand and follow directions well, and teaming skills.

Intermediate
The following skills are necessary for intermediate-level positions: Job experience, community college credits, industry certifications, continuing education, vocational classes, club/association activities, drivers license, equipment certifications, technology training

Management
The following skills are necessary for management-level positions: College degrees in ornamental/ environmental horticulture, landscape, and plant related majors, industry certifications, job experience, continuing education, club and association activities, technology training


Industry Related Programs

•  American Landscape Institute (ALI) (ALI) was founded to attract, educate and train the next generation of landscape and horticultural professionals. The program combines on-the-job training with college classes at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). ALI prepares individuals for careers in the rapidly growing Horticulture Industry and provides opportunities for professional advancement and achievement. ALI is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization. All donations are tax deductible.
• Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. We envision a world where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture.

Related College Degrees

There are many undergraduate majors that are relevant to horticulture. Just a few include: Ornamental Horticulture, Environmental Horticulture, Landscape Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Botany, Landscape Gardening, Botanical Garden Management, Greenhouse Management, Floriculture, Nutrient Management, and Horticultural Therapy.

Below are links to some of the programs offered by local colleges and universities. Simply select the state you are interested in learning more about.