Landscape/Horticulture 

9 Months – Total Clock Hours:  900

2023-2024 Tuitions Fees: $8,940

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admissions, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.

Program Overview

The Landscape/Horticulture Program prepares students for employment as a Landscape Gardener, Landscape Technician, Landscape Management Technician, Greenskeeper II, or related occupations in agriculture and farming, as well as sales-related positions.  This program provides students with the opportunity to earn their Pesticide Certification with Category 6 or 7. The curriculum includes training in hardscaping, pavers, retaining walls and construction, landscape design, as well as a breakdown of drawings, specs, and reading a plan. Program training also includes information about water features plant identification and selection, landscape installation, construction, maintenance, and sustainable landscapes.  Students will also receive training in nursery and greenhouse operations, including plant production, crop rotation, interior plants, and plant propagation. Students receive component training in floral design and setting up a shop. The final component of this program provides students with training on small engine repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting (2 and 4 cycle engines). Students may earn their CDL license and will also learn to operate trade-specific equipment, such as a backhoe, skid steer, and track hoe. Career readiness training is also included in the Landscape/Horticulture Program. Preparation for OSHA Certification is included in this course. Students earn their CDL License and will also learn to operate trade-specific equipment, such as a backhoe, skid steer, and mini-excavator.

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  15

Program starts in September. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

• Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
• Groundskeeper
• Ranger
• Agriculture Technician

Courses In This Program Include:

Course Description

LHT-104 – Introduction to Horticulture, Botany, and Safety
Introduction to Horticulture, Botany, and Safety of Landscape/Horticulture begins with and understanding of safety procedures and guidelines. Students are taught about safety in the industry, which includes completion of their OSHA 30-hour card, an understanding of SDS sheets, how to operate horticulture equipment, and the proper use of PPE in all aspects of the industry. Level 1 students received training on soils and fertilizers to include soil characteristics, soil and plant nutrients, soil management, soil sampling and testing, and the interpretation of soil test reports. This course provides an introduction to botany which includes photosynthesis, respiration, translocation, and transpiration. Students will be taught to identify plant cell structure, function, and conditions essential for seed germination.
(146 Lecture Hours – 154 Lab Hours)

LHP-151 – Landscape/Hardscape Design and Plant Identification
In Landscape/Hardscape Design and Plant Identification, students are taught about health care practices with a focus on controlling
weeds, insect, and plant diseases, interpreting product labels, mixing quantities of products, plant health care, components of integrated pest management, and how to identify posts to include their signs and symptoms. Students are taught to distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction and propagation, classify plants by use of taxonomic terminology, and how weather impacts growing conditions. Plant identification includes over 100 plants, as well as the characteristic of various plant categories. This course includes the knowledge and application of landscape design, installation of hardscapes to include pavers, retaining walls, water features, plant selection, and sustainable landscapes. Students are taught to develop skills related to pruning and maintenance of plants, turfgrass installation and maintenance, preparing plant materials for selling, and an understanding of horticulture and landscape business operations. (48 Lecture Hours – 252 Lab Hours)

LBM-211 – Landscaping Business Management and Operations
Landscaping Business Management and Operations contains information on careers and opportunities in the field of Landscaping and Horticulture. Students are taught job readiness skills, research industry certifications, and are taught the proper materials and information needed for a successful job search. Students are taught various business operations including, selecting a site for a potential business, state, and local requirements for starting and operating a business, developing a business plan, determining the human resources needed for the business, and researching the vendors to be used to obtain the necessary products and associated information. Students will prepare for and complete the Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License Test, which includes the core, category 6, and category 7. This course provides students with the opportunity to further hone their landscape and hardscape installation skills including plant, tree, shrub, and flower selection process.
(48 Lecture Hours – 252 Lab Hours)