Horticulture Science & Services Overview
South Dade Senior High’s Horticulture Science & Services Magnet cultivates both technical expertise and environmental stewardship. Students develop skills in plant and soil science, greenhouse management, irrigation, pest control, and landscape design, all while learning to run greenhouse and nursery operations with sustainability and professionalism in mind.
Aligned with Florida’s Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (AFNR) career cluster and the National Council for Agricultural Education Standards, this hands-on program prepares students for college pathways and employment in horticulture, landscape management, and agriscience.
What You’ll Learn
- Plant classification, growth, and propagation techniques
- Greenhouse and nursery operations and maintenance
- Irrigation system design, installation, and repair
- Soil composition, fertilization, and nutrient management
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmental best practices
- Landscape design principles and installation methods
- Equipment safety, repair, and preventive maintenance
- Agribusiness management, budgeting, and customer service
- Leadership and communication through FFA participation
Course Sequence
9th Grade: Agriscience Foundations 1
Explores agricultural history, global systems, leadership, and scientific principles in animal, plant, and environmental systems. Students learn research and laboratory safety while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. (Counts as Equally Rigorous Science)
10th Grade: Introductory Horticulture 2
Introduces the horticulture industry and its economic and environmental impact. Students learn plant identification, propagation, fertilization, and irrigation techniques while practicing safe chemical use and applying Florida Best Management Practices (BMPs).
11th Grade: Horticulture Science 3
Builds advanced competencies in soil analysis, plant growth regulators, equipment calibration, and Integrated Pest Management. Students explore biotechnology and GIS applications in horticulture while developing customer service and professional communication skills.
? Horticulture Science & Services 4
Focuses on propagation, irrigation system setup, and recordkeeping. Students learn to safely operate equipment, maintain plant media, and analyze costs using spreadsheets and digital tools while applying BMPs to water and fertilizer management.
? Horticulture Science & Services 5
Expands technical expertise in fertilization scheduling, irrigation maintenance, and pest control. Students apply IPM principles, collect and analyze soil samples, and create fertilizer schedules based on real-world data.
? Horticulture Science & Services 6
Capstone course emphasizing greenhouse operations, budgeting, marketing, and sustainable production. Students maintain irrigation systems, manage fertilizer programs, and use pest control systems to ensure healthy plant growth and efficient operations.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
Every student participates in a Supervised Agricultural Experience—a project-based component that can include career exploration, entrepreneurship, directed lab research, cooperative education, school-based enterprise, or service learning. SAEs connect classroom knowledge to hands-on industry practice and are documented throughout the program.
Laboratory & Hands-On Learning
The Horticulture program features extensive outdoor labs, greenhouse facilities, and landscape design spaces. Students use industry-standard tools and technology to measure soil quality, calibrate irrigation systems, and manage live plant production. These experiences reinforce classroom concepts and foster innovation, sustainability, and professionalism.
FFA Leadership Connection
As part of Florida FFA, students gain leadership and competitive experience in Floriculture, Nursery & Landscape, and Agriscience Fair events. FFA builds teamwork, communication, and civic responsibility, while reinforcing the technical and professional skills learned in the classroom.
Career Outlook & Next Steps
Graduates of the Horticulture Science & Services program are prepared for immediate employment or further study in:
- Greenhouse and Nursery Operations
- Landscape Design and Maintenance
- Irrigation and Turf Management
- Environmental Conservation and Agriscience
- Floral Design and Garden Center Management
Students often continue their education in Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agribusiness, or Landscape Architecture at institutions such as the University of Florida, Miami Dade College, or other agricultural universities statewide.