The specialization of horticulturists consists of cultivation and production of garden and forest plants, as well as project management and/or operation of nurseries.
In your job as a horticulturist, you could work for municipalities in project management, caring for green areas or organizing flower beds. Horticulturists also work in garden and forest plant centers and in sales and advice to the public regarding the selection, cultivation and treatment of plants.
• planning of cultivation areas
• propagating, planting or transplanting plants
• fertilizing and daily care of plants
• overseeing harvesting and preparation of products
• controlling environmental factors in cultivation, such as lighting, temperature, fertilization and irrigation
• advising on selection and treatment of plants
A horticulturist must have expertise in plant species that are suitable for Icelandic cultivation conditions as well as knowledge of cultivation techniques regarding these plants. It is important to be able to plan cultivation, plant care and business operations as well as planning and managing the activities of a horticultural center. On the job, various gardening tools are used, as well as more specialized larger equipment.
A horticulture study program is three years and is divided into three courses; garden and forest plants, thermal horticulture and organic horticulture. The study program is at the secondary school level, at the vocational and continuing education department of the Agricultural University of Iceland at Reykir in Ölfus.
