Horticulture Technology

Associate Degree Program

Horticulture Technology is a broad, in-demand field that opens the door to multiple career paths in plant science and landscape management. As a horticulture specialist, you can work with ornamental plants and non-food crops, manage pests and diseases, oversee turf and greenhouse operations or focus on plant propagation and cultivation.

Whether your interests lie in hands-on plant care or applied agricultural science, horticulture technology gives you the flexibility to shape a career that fits your strengths and goals.

Build Skills Employers Want in Today’s Horticulture Industry

Successful horticulture technicians are self-starters and observant problem-solvers who thrive in dynamic outdoor and greenhouse environments. In this field, you must quickly identify plant health issues, pest infestations or growth concerns and take action to protect plant quality and productivity.

Strong time management skills are also essential as plant care schedules, seasonal demands and environmental conditions require careful planning and attention to detail.

Perform Hands-On Work That Makes an Impact

As a horticulturist, your daily responsibilities may include:

• Harvesting seeds and cultivating healthy plants
• Developing and evaluating hybrid plant varieties
• Assessing plant areas for rehabilitation and improvement
• Pruning plants while controlling weeds, fertilizing and managing irrigation
• Measuring plant growth and collecting agricultural metrics

These hands-on tasks prepare you for real world horticulture careers where precision, consistency and applied knowledge matter.

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Understand the Difference: Horticulturist vs. Landscape Architect

Horticulture technicians specialize in the science of plants. Your expertise includes gardening, plant propagation, crop production, plant breeding and plant physiology. You focus on how plants grow, thrive and respond to their environment.

Landscape architects, by contrast, emphasize design and planning. They create functional and visually appealing outdoor spaces such as residential yards, parks, gardens and public landscapes. While both careers work with plants, horticulture technology is rooted in applied plant science and production.

Choose Southeast Tech for Hands-On Horticulture Training

Studying Horticulture Technology at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota gives you broad exposure to the full scope of the horticulture industry. In the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center, you gain practical experience with plant propagation and cultivation, fruits and vegetables, annuals and perennials and nursery stock.

Our industry-aligned curriculum ensures you graduate with skills employers are actively seeking.

Learn Industry Tools and Best Practices from Experienced Faculty

At Southeast Tech, you will learn how to use industry-standard tools and equipment while mastering processes essential to horticulture success. Coursework emphasizes disease identification, pest prevention and safe, efficient equipment operation.

With guidance from experienced faculty, you also develop critical thinking skills as you learn to complete scheduled work, follow professional directives and implement corrective measures when needed.

Develop Professional Skills That Set You Apart

Beyond technical expertise, Southeast Tech helps you build professionalism that supports long-term career growth. You will practice clear verbal and written communication while learning how to respond effectively to customer needs and workplace challenges.

Discover Where a Career in Horticulture Can Take You

Graduates of the Southeast Tech Horticulture Technology program work in a wide range of settings including grounds maintenance, landscape grooming, plant nurseries and garden centers. Many alumni also choose the entrepreneurial route and successfully launch their own horticulture or landscaping businesses.

With practical training, collaborative learning and strong industry connections, Southeast Tech empowers you to turn your passion for plants into a rewarding career.