Horticulture is a scientific and applied field concerned with the cultivation of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This major focuses on improving the productivity, quality and aesthetics of plants by applying scientific knowledge and modern technologies. Horticulture can be divided into several branches such as vegetable growing, fruit growing, floriculture, and garden and landscape design.

Fields of study in horticulture:
Botany:

• Plant physiology: the study of the biological and chemical processes that occur in plants and how environmental factors affect their growth.
• Plant Genetics: The study of plant genetics and the development of new varieties of plants through plant breeding and genetic engineering.

Horticultural crop production:

• Fruit culture: the study of techniques for growing and managing fruit trees and small crops.
• Vegetable farming: Improving vegetable production through advanced farming techniques and crop management.

Soil science and water management:

• Soil analysis: Evaluating soil fertility and nutrient needs.
• Water Management: Develop effective irrigation systems to improve water use and increase plant productivity.

Integrated plant protection:

• Pest and Disease Management: Develop strategies to reduce the impact of pests and diseases on horticultural crops.
• Biological control: The use of living organisms to control pests in sustainable ways.

Landscape design:

• Garden design: Planning and designing public and private gardens to achieve aesthetics and functionality.
• Sustainable Landscapes: Develop landscapes that take into account environmental sustainability and efficient use of resources.

Post-harvest management:

• Storage and Packaging: Improving storage and packing techniques to maintain the quality of agricultural products after harvest.
• Marketing: Develop effective marketing strategies for selling horticultural products.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of biology, chemistry, soil science, and environment.
• Analytical and research skills: the ability to analyze agricultural data and conduct field research.
• Technical capabilities: to use modern tools and techniques in agriculture and crop management.
• Design skills: to design gardens and landscapes in aesthetic and functional ways.
• Communication skills: to transfer knowledge and interact with farmers, customers and other stakeholders.

Work fields:

• Commercial Farms: Managing the operations of growing and producing horticultural crops.
• Agricultural companies: Providing consultations in the fields of plant cultivation, garden management and landscapes.
• Government Agencies: Work with agriculture agencies to develop agricultural policies and programs.
• Scientific research: Working in universities and research centers to conduct advanced studies on horticultural techniques.
• Non-governmental organizations: Participation in agricultural and sustainable development programs.
• Education: Teaching horticulture and related subjects in schools and universities.

Importance of gardening:

• Increased productivity: It contributes to improving the productivity of horticultural crops and meeting food needs.
• Improving quality: It helps in producing high-quality crops that meet market and consumer requirements.
• Aesthetics and luxury: Contributes to improving aesthetics and luxury through the design and development of gardens and landscapes.
• Environmental Sustainability: Supports the application of sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the environment and natural resources.

Gardening applications:

• Sustainable agriculture: developing and implementing agricultural practices that preserve the environment and increase productivity.
• Improving irrigation techniques: Using advanced irrigation systems to save water and improve crop quality.
• Designing public and private gardens: designing gardens and landscapes that enhance aesthetics and luxury.
• Rural development: Supporting rural communities by improving crop production and providing job opportunities.
• Post-harvest management: improving storage and packing techniques to reduce waste and increase profitability.

Horticulture is one of the vital and important fields that contribute to improving agricultural productivity and achieving environmental sustainability, which makes it a field with great influence in improving the quality of life and promoting economic and social development.