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Certificate in Horticulture

The Certificate in Horticulture program is ideal for those who plan to pursue a career in the horticulture industries and for highly motivated home gardeners who want an in-depth understanding of plants and gardens. Through completing the certificate, students will gain a broad understanding of plant growth and how plants are used in the field of horticulture, particularly as it pertains to our urban environment. Many students use the certificate to prepare for entry-level positions in the horticulture industry or to seek advancement in their current roles.

Courses are taught at a community college level and will require a significant investment of your time in addition to class time. Each course combines lecture and hands-on learning opportunities and culminates in a final exam or project. You must attend two-thirds of the class sessions and achieve a passing grade (70% or higher) on the final exam or project to pass each course. Once you successfully complete all eight courses, you will receive an official Certificate of Merit from Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Click here for more information on this certificate program.

Certificate in Horticulture Required Courses

Woody Landscape Plant Identification

Chris Roddick (Section A) and Michael Mauro (Section B)

Woody plants—including shade trees, conifers, small trees, and shrubs—form the backbone of a well-planned landscape design. This course will help you master the identification and uses of many woody plants found in urban landscapes. Classroom lectures and hands-on labs are augmented by sessions on the BBG grounds.

SECTION A: 6 Tuesdays: May 13 to June 17 | 6–9 p.m.
SECTION B: 6 Thursdays: July 24 to August 28 | 6–9 p.m.
$199 member, $219 nonmember
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Herbaceous Landscape Plant Identification

Nancy Seaton (Section A) and Cayleb Long (Section B)

Herbaceous plants accentuate other features in the landscape. When used effectively, they can provide almost year-round bloom. Learn identification methods, landscape uses, and diseases and pests of the perennials and annuals most commonly used in the urban landscape. Classroom lectures are augmented by sessions on the BBG grounds.

SECTION A: 6 Mondays: May 12 to June 23 | 6–9 p.m. (No class on May 26)
SECTION B: 6 Wednesdays: July 9 to August 13 | 6–9 p.m.
$199 member, $219 nonmember
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Pest Management

Linda Ameroso

Skilled gardeners must be able to identify and control common insect pests and diseases. In this class, learn which pests might attack your garden and how to control them. Proper site selection, plant selection, soil conditioning, and other integrated pest management (IPM) practices are discussed. Safe application of pesticides is also covered.

5 Wednesdays: May 21 to June 18 | 6–9 p.m. and 1 Saturday: June 7 | 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
$199 member, $219 nonmember
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Soil Management

Cayleb Long and Uli Lorimer

The planning that goes into creating a beautiful garden is wasted if the soil is poor. Learn about soil structure, fertility, and water availability to understand what happens underground. Learn about different ways to improve the soil through amendments and other techniques. Lectures are supplemented by hands-on lab sessions.

6 Thursdays: May 22 to July 10 (No class on May 29 or July 3) | 6–9 p.m.
$199 member, $219 nonmember
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Urban Garden Maintenance

Michael Mauro, BBG Staff and Colleagues

Professional horticulturists teach you the ins and outs of maintaining a city garden. Master the tools and techniques for plant care, pruning, planting, transplanting, and other essential tasks. Learn about site assessment, maintaining flower borders, trees, shrubs, containers, grass, and groundcovers. Each class session focuses on a different maintenance topic.

6 Tuesdays: June 24 to July 29 | 6–9 p.m.
$199 member, $219 nonmember
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