Consumers are digging into gardening now more than ever. Several factors account for the increasing popularity, including growing food, relaxation, therapy and sprucing up your green areas and patios, according to a survey by the National Gardening Association.
If you are looking to grow that green thumb, the University of Florida’s Environmental Horticulture Management Certificate is blooming with possibilities for anyone eager to learn more about plants without the commitment of a bachelor’s degree.
Designed with flexibility and practicality in mind, this online program is a favorite among blooming gardeners and continues to welcome students, working professionals, plant enthusiasts and homeowners who seek to gain advanced horticultural training with the science to back it up.
“Our audience is anyone who wants to learn more about environmental horticulture and how to grow plants,” says Kimberly Moore, professor of sustainable horticulture and associate director of the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). “We are looking for students of all ages who want to learn but are not interested in earning a bachelor’s degree. This can be working professionals, as well as homeowners.”
In a recent Ask IFAS document, Moore highlights the certificate program benefits and opportunities.
“Florida is a leader in the environmental horticulture industry, encompassing garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries and landscape operations,” she said. “This program is tailored for those passionate about sustainable ornamental horticulture practices and eager to make a positive impact on the environment.”
The program dives into plant propagation, landscape management, greenhouse operations and even orchid care, all taught by UF/IFAS faculty. The certificate’s practical focus ensures participants leave equipped with skills they can immediately apply, whether it’s air-layering plants, managing fertilizers to conserve water or restoring native plant habitats.
Moore also stresses the program’s versatility and its standout feature — accessibility.
“All students, regardless of residency, can take the class, opening it up to learners across the United States,” she said. “Flexibility is also baked in. Participants complete lectures and assignments on their own schedules, making it an ideal fit for busy professionals.”
The program’s impact extends beyond personal growth. Graduates are well-prepared to earn professional credentials, such as the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certified Horticulture Professional designation. They also gain the credibility of UF transcripts and access to a network of industry-leading faculty and resources.
“One of our graduates working for the Florida Department of Transportation shared how this program opened her eyes to the diversity of plant materials. It’s rewarding to hear how our courses transform perspectives,” says Moore.
The Environmental Horticulture Management Certificate teaches more than skills. It plants seeds for sustainable industry practices. Students learn to reduce resource inputs like water and fertilizers while maintaining high-quality ornamental plants. With sustainability at the core of its learning outcomes, the program equips participants to make meaningful contributions to their local communities, schools and the broader horticultural field.
“This program is perfect for individuals with a high school diploma looking to cultivate their passion for plants into practical knowledge or professional advancement,” said Moore.
To enroll for the Environmental Horticulture Management Certificate, start with this link.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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