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Associate Diploma in Horticulture

Study Horticulture

Develop your skills in greenhouse production and management, nursery operations and management, and landscaping. Explore how to grow plants for a variety of uses: ornamental, medicinal, food, and beverages. Learn about the innovation and advancements in the horticultural industry. Benefit from the ability to take specialized courses in your area of interest.

Ridgetown Campus provides balanced training where you will learn in formal lectures and practical learning experiences.  

Program Benefits

2-year program

In only two years, you’ll be ready for your career with applied and practical experiences in lectures and labs.

Teaching greenhouse

Benefit from applied, practical training in the campus greenhouse.

Extensive campus grounds

Enjoy 450 acres of campus grounds for hands-on learning.

Co-op option

Choose co-op and complete one work term during the summer to gain extra work experience. 

Focus on your interests

Focus your studies on either the greenhouse, edible horticulture, or nursery/landscaping sectors.

Prep for industry exams

Gain the knowledge needed to write the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Park's Exterminator License Exam and add expertise to your resume.

15+ electives

to choose from.

700+

plant species found on campus.

2 travel

opportunities to Belize and Europe.

Co-op Option

Co-operative education is an opportunity for you to extend your learning beyond the classroom. As a co-op student, you will gain work experience, build professional networks, and develop interpersonal skills essential to pursuing a career in horticulture. Plus, you’ll get paid while earning your diploma.

In the co-op program, you will participate in one (1) co-op work term (during the summer) in addition to four academic semesters.

Co-op students receive an exceptional level of support in securing a placement. You will take a co-op preparatory course, a Co-op Coordinator will assist you during the employment process, and you will have access to senior student mentors.

Read more about the Co-op program here.

Degree Pathway

Graduates of the Associate Diploma in Horticulture program can receive 7.5 transfer credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at the University of Guelph. In many cases, this eliminates one to two (1-2) years from degree completion time. Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative average of 75% or higher in the associate diploma program and must have completed 4U Advanced Functions (or equivalent) and 4U Chemistry (or equivalent including CHEM 1060) in high school. Learn more about the U of G Degree Pathways here.

Required Courses

Year One

DAGR*1090 Students will develop written language skills and become proficient at using word processing software. Practical skills include writing business letters and other business correspondence, resumes, formal and informal reports, instructional writing, critical thinking and critical writing. Students will become familiarized with campus software systems including campus e-mail, library resources, and classroom support software. Instruction will be provided in computer file management and using the internet as a research tool.

DAGR*1200 This course covers the basic structure and function of plants and the major functions involved in growth and reproduction as they relate to the production of plants. Topics to be discussed will include: plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, nutrient uptake and reproduction, basic genetic principles, basic chemistry and the relationship and importance of plant science to the agricultural and horticultural industry.

DAGR*1600 This course is designed to augment mathematics skills necessary to compete in today's business environments. Typical applications are chemical rate conversions, solutions and mixtures, elementary algebra and financial topics. The aim is to teach students how to solve actual mathematical problems encountered in the day-to-day operation of agricultural/horticultural/environmental operations.

DHRT*1000 The use of hand tools, power machinery, and traditional and contemporary methods in the on-going maintenance of landscape installations will be presented, along with proper equipment operation and safety.

DHRT*1050 This course provides an introduction to the identification of common landscape plants. Students will learn to identify plants by sight through recognition of subtle differences. Botanical names will be taught. Growing requirements, physical features, ornamental characteristics and potential landscape uses will be discussed.

DHRT*2000 Students will learn the basics of greenhouse design and use. Topics such as structures, ventilation, heating, supplemental lighting, relative humidity, irrigation, fertility management and CO2 enrichment will be included. Management and cultural principles of commercial production of various horticultural crops in greenhouses will be used to illustrate management strategies.

DAGR*2090 Students will develop effective oral communication and presentation skills using software. Oral communication skills, preparing formal and informal reports with and without technological support. Practical presentation skills include the use of voice, eye contact, time appropriateness and response to questions. Students will also understand the importance of formalized meetings and be instructed in the use of spreadsheet software as a data management tool. Software available on personal electronic devices used to access business and production information will be overviewed.

DHRT*2090 This course will examine materials and combinations of materials commonly used in landscape structures. Construction methods and common practices for a variety of landscape projects will be described and demonstrated. Use of the survey level and rod for taking elevations and for projects layout will be demonstrated. Information given will be suitable for taking pertinent Certified Horticultural Technician examinations. (Also offered through distance education format.)

DHRT*2200 This course covers the principles and practices of propagation for horticultural plants. Sexual (seed) propagation to include seed maturation, dormancy and seed germination; vegetative (asexual) propagation, including division, layering, budding, grafting and tissue culture are also discussed.

DHRT*2230 This course examines the role of agriculture, landscape horticulture and nursery production on soil processes and properties, and water resources. The course will examine best management practices to conserve soil and water resources and enhance the quality of the ecosystems of which they are a part. In the course, soil and water conservation techniques including plant selection, xeriscaping, the use of ground covers, and dry shade gardening will be covered. The student will also be introduced to various aspects of the hydrologic cycle in the context of designing landscapes and production systems to reduce water use.

Year Two

DAGR*1070 This course introduces business management principles, functions, and processes. Students will learn about the business environment, decision-making, and the role of the organizational functions, with a particular focus on accounting principles, accounting statements, and the use of financial information.

DHRT*3050 This is an advanced course continuing the identification of landscape plants. Growing requirements, physical approximate size at maturity and ornamental characteristics will be discussed for each plant. Less common taxa and additional cultivars will be highlighted.

DHRT*3170 Identification of common weeds in horticulture, methods of weed control, herbicide mode of action and basis of selectivity are the primary areas included in this course.

DHRT*4050 Students will learn the necessary information required to write examinations which are a legal requirement for anyone wishing to apply or sell pesticide products in Ontario. For interested students, licensing exams can be arranged with licensing authorities upon payment of relevant fees. Students will be introduced to federal and provincial legislation governing worker health and safety in the workplace. In particular WHMIS, risk analysis, poisoning, First Aid, labeling and storage & disposal are covered.

DAGR*2020 Student will learn important concepts and techniques required to analyze financial performance and guide business decision making. A broad range of financial topics will be covered, including financial statements and cash flow analysis, financial forecasting and planning, internal control, budgeting, taxation, and the time value of money.

DAGR*4600 Students will learn the theoretical and practical skills of management and interacting with people. Topics will include recruiting, supervising, motivation, training employees, effective listening, dealing with difficult people, group dynamics and leadership skills.

Notes

  • The Associate Diploma in Horticulture requires the completion of 24 courses (12.00 credits) total
  • For a list of all courses and the curriculum layout, please see the Associate Diploma Calendar

Careers

  • Garden equipment & supply dealer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Garden centre manager
  • Greenhouse grower
  • Greenhouse integrated pest management technician
  • Horticulture equipment and supply sales
  • Landscaping contractor
  • Lawn care manager
  • Medical cannabis production assistant
  • Nursery grower/manager
  • Parks & recreation technician

There are currently 3 career opportunities posted on the job posting page

Admissions

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Equivalent
  • A minimum cumulative average of 65% in 6 Grade 11 or Grade 12 U, C, M, or O level courses (excludes Co-op credits)
  • Includes a minimum of Grade 11C Math and Grade 12C English
  • OR Mature Student Status*

* Definition of Mature Student: Do not hold a high school diploma or equivalent, but are 19 years of age or older and out of high school for a minimum of one year; may be required to complete pre-admission testing

Acceptable English Proficiency Tests

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)

  • Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)

  • Competence Level: Minimum overall band score of 70.
  • Please note that the University of Guelph will be accepting the CAEL Online Test for Fall 2021 admission only and will re-evaluate the opportunity for future use.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  • Competence Level: Internet-based: minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score less than 21.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

  • Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 60 and no score less than 60 for any individual component.

Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP)

  • Competence Level: Successful completion of the University of Guelph, Open Learning Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (Levels 9 and 10).

Cambridge English: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency

  • Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 176 with no band less than 169.

Duolingo English Test*

  • Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 110.

The University of Guelph institution code is 0892.

Fees

Ontario Resident

Ontario Resident Year 1 Approximate Costs In CAD
Tuition $3,198.60
Compulsory Fees $1,640.00
Co-op Fees (if applicable) $600.00
Textbooks $808.00
Residence (Double Room) $3,934.00
Meal Plan $4,648.00
Total $13,327.60
Total with Co-op Fee $13,927.60

Out of Province Year 1 Approximate Costs In CAD
Tuition $3,358.53
Compulsory Fees $1,640.00
Co-op Fees (if applicable) $600.00
Textbooks $808.00
Residence (Double Room) $3,420.00
Meal Plan $4,261.00
Total $13,487.530
Total with Co-op Fee $14,087.53

International

International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs In CAD
Tuition $12,618.08
Compulsory Fees $2,396.00
Co-op Fees (if applicable) $600.00
Textbooks $808.00
Residence (Double Room) $3,420.00
Meal Plan $4,261.00
Total $23,503.08
Total with Co-op Fee $24,103.08

Estimates based on 2022-2023 fee schedule.

Facilities

  • Greenhouse
  • Arboretum
  • Classrooms
  • Computer labs
  • Lecture halls
  • Library and Resource Centre
  • Study Lounge
  • Student Residence
  • Cafeteria
  • Gymnasium and Fitness Centre
  • Plenty of green space

Are you ready to Improve Life?

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