Horticultural trade - overview

As a worker in the horticultural trades, often called a horticulturist, you’ll be an expert in the growing, harvesting and selling of plants or plant products. Here you can find out more about building a career in the horticultural trades, see what it involves and learn how you can get into the industry.

Learn what the role involves below.

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What does a horticulturalist do?

Having a role in the horticultural trades could involve working in various parts of the industry, including producing the crops themselves, logistics, IT, engineering or business planning. You could find yourself working with gardens, organic farms, science labs or international food companies.

As a horticulturalist you’ll generally be responsible for managing the planting, growth, protection and harvesting of commercial plants. You may also be responsible for researching new methods, setting up equipment and machinery, reporting on production, or communicating with customers and co-workers. You’ll enjoy seeing the physical outcome of your work and providing essential products for society.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Planting and propagating plants
  • Protecting plants with physical or chemical methods
  • Building growing environments
  • Supporting trees and plants as they grow
  • Preparing soil, watering and light systems
  • Harvesting plants
  • Organising the transport of harvested material
  • Measuring and reporting on yield
  • Developing new methods for growing
  • Reporting on output to managers

FAQs

How much can you earn as a horticultural tradesperson?

The average salary for a horticultural trade role in the UK is £35,360. Graduates start at around £18,500.

Does a horticultural trades role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

There’s travel involved which may take you between sites in the UK. Overseas travel is rare.

Can you work from home as a horticulturalist?

Horticulturists tend to work outdoors during different seasons, making working from home unlikely.

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