Horticulture

Definition of Horticulture

Horticulture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants for food, ornamental, and environmental purposes. It encompasses the growth and management of fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and landscaping greenery, integrating plant biology, soil management, pest control, and sustainable practices to maximise plant health and productivity.

Unlike broad-scale agriculture, horticulture often focuses on high-value, small-scale, and intensive cultivation, combining traditional methods with modern technologies such as hydroponics, controlled environment agriculture, and precision farming.

Why Horticulture Matters

Horticulture matters because it plays a critical role in food security, environmental sustainability, and human wellbeing. Effective horticultural practices help to:

• Provide nutritious food – Supporting fruit and vegetable production for local and global markets

• Enhance urban and rural environments – Supplying ornamental plants, landscaping greenery, and green spaces

• Support livelihoods – Creating employment in nurseries, farms, landscaping, and agribusiness

• Promote biodiversity and ecosystem health – Integrating pollinator-friendly practices and soil conservation

• Advance sustainable farming – Using efficient resource management, reduced chemical inputs, and controlled-environment technologies

Horticulture bridges traditional agriculture, modern technology, and environmental stewardship, making it a cornerstone of resilient food and plant systems.

Key Principles of Horticulture

• Plant Selection and Breeding – Choosing species and varieties suitable for climate, soil, and purpose

• Soil and Nutrient Management – Maintaining soil health and providing balanced fertilisation

• Irrigation and Water Efficiency – Applying water sustainably to meet plant needs

• Pest and Disease Management – Implementing integrated approaches to protect crops

• Controlled Environment Cultivation – Using greenhouses, hydroponics, or vertical farming to optimise growth

• Pruning, Training, and Harvesting – Enhancing productivity, aesthetics, and plant health

• Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Practices – Minimising environmental impact and maximising yield

Related Terms

• Floriculture

• Arboriculture

• Vegetable Farming

• Fruit Production

• Ornamentals

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Useful Resources on Horticulture

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about horticulture, plant cultivation, and sustainable crop production:

• FAO – Horticulture– Guidance on global horticultural practices, sustainability, and food security.

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – Practical advice, research, and education on horticulture and ornamental plants.

• GOV.UK – Horticulture Statistics– Official data on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crop production in the UK.

• Horticulture Research | Oxford Academic - an open access journal, committed to publishing original research and reviews on novel discoveries across all major horticultural disciplines.

Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms glossary here