Horticulture

Horticulture is the science and art of growing plants, including the cultivation of medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds and non-food crops such as grass and ornamental trees and plants. It also includes plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, landscape and garden design, construction, and maintenance, and arboriculture.

History

The history of horticulture dates back thousands of years. The cultivation of plants began in the Neolithic period in the Fertile Crescent, and from there spread to other parts of the world. The practice of horticulture can be retraced for many thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are known to have cultivated lettuce, beans, onions, garlic, leeks, and other vegetables, along with grapes and dates.

Types of Horticulture

Horticulture is divided into several categories which focus on the cultivation and processing of different types of plants and food items for specific purposes. These include:

• Arboriculture: The study of, and the selection, planting, care, and removal of, individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.
• Floriculture: Includes cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for sales and for use by various gardeners.
• Landscape horticulture: Includes production, marketing and maintenance of landscape plants.
• Olericulture: Includes the production and marketing of vegetables.
• Pomology: Includes the production and marketing of fruits.
• Viticulture: The production and marketing of grapes.
• Postharvest physiology: Involves maintaining the quality of and preventing the spoilage of plants and animals.

See Also

• Agriculture
• Botany
• Gardening
• Organic horticulture
• Permaculture

References

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