The career opportunities in agriculture are endless and diverse. One of the fields one could go into is becoming a horticulturist. This is someone who specialises in growing flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs and even nuts.
A horticulturist tends to plants in gardens, produces food and medicinal ingredients and even plants flowers for decorative purposes, explains Jacky Goliath. She is the co-founder of De Fynne Nursery in the Western Cape.
Speaking to Nicole Ludolph and Bandile Xhosa, the hosts of Food For Mzansi’s new AgriCareers podcast, she explains that her job is focused on the productivity and making of plants.
Goliath is involved in soil analysis to ensure that the type of soil that is being used is of good quality, looking at the type of fertilisers that are used and looking after the irrigation. She also looks at different diseases to ensure that the plants are healthy.
PODCAST: Meet a real-life horticulturist
What do I need to study?
Goliath holds a degree in horticulture but explains that if you have any qualification in agriculture and a lot of experience working in the agriculture sector it will help a great deal in becoming a horticulturist.
What skills are needed?
She believes that in order to be a successful horticulturist you have to have a passion for it. “You are working outside in the fields or in the orchards, so you deal with the climate. It can be very hot or very cold. So, if you don’t love what you do you will soon not enjoy your job,” she explains.
According to Goliath, communication skills, people skills, planning skills, administrative skills and leadership skills are of great importance in order to become a good horticulturist.
What subjects do I need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but Mathematics and Life Sciences are recommended.
Where can I study?
North-West University
Bachelor of Science: Agriculture
www.nwu.ac.za
University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Science: Agriculture
www.up.ac.za
Stellenbosch University
Bachelor of Science: Agriculture
www.sun.ac.za
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Science: Agriculture
www.ukzn.ac.za
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
National Diploma: Horticulture; Bachelor of Technology: Horticulture
www.cput.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma: Horticulture
www.tut.ac.za
Durban University of Technology
National Diploma: Horticulture; Bachelor of Technology: Horticulture
www.dut.ac.za
Unisa
National Diploma: Horticulture; Bachelor of Technology: Horticulture
www.unisa.ac.za
Lifestyle College
Learnerships: Horticulture
www.lifestylecollege.co.za
Intec
Gardening and Horticulture Certificate
www.intec.edu.za
The School of Garden Design
Courses in Garden Design
www.schoolofgardendesign.co.za
Elsenburg Agricultural College
Diploma: Horticulture
www.elsenburg.com
Cedara Agricultural College
Diploma: Horticulture
www.kzndard.gov.za
