They’ve Done Their Horticulture Homework; Now You Can, Too

For the July 2024 Greenhouse Grower cover story, I was fortunate to be able to speak with university horticulture department heads from across the country about enrollment trends, and how they’re helping prepare students for long-term careers in horticulture. I came out of those conversations feeling optimistic about those individuals who will eventually become the next generation of industry leaders.

But it’s not just department chairs, professors, and advisors who play a role in fostering this next wave of greenhouse growers. Here are just a few ways that you can do your part to help build a better future for the industry (in the spirit of things, I’ve also provided some homework).

• Visit college campuses, as well as high schools. Instructors can only do so much in explaining how the greenhouse industry works. By getting in front of students, you can provide your own insights and even offer realistic expectations on salaries, job responsibilities, and career development. Homework: Enlist some young team members to join you on these visits (extra credit if they are alumni). These members of your staff may still have the college experience fresh in their minds and could be more relatable.
• Host tours at your greenhouse. Talking in front of students in the classroom is great, but while some of them may have grown up with or worked in the industry, the odds are many have not. So, give them the opportunity to learn up close. Homework: While it might seem difficult, schedule these tours at a time when the greenhouse is in production (a greenhouse empty of plants and people doesn’t do much good).
• Interact with groups like Seed Your Future. The Seed Your Future online Careers resource lists a multitude of career paths, several of which don’t involve working with plants at all. Each career includes educational requirements, salary expectations, and testimonials from those already in the field. Homework: Identify the most unique job you have at your greenhouse and let the team at Seed Your Future know about it.
• Support scholarship programs. The American Floral Endowment and Horticultural Research Institute are just two organizations providing funding to those who need it. Some of your staff may have even benefited from these scholarships. Homework: When you’re setting your company budget for next year, include this as a line item.
• Highlight your company values that might appeal to the next generation of employees. Their priorities might differ from yours, and while a complete mission statement change isn’t necessary, there’s no harm in bringing topics like sustainability and company culture to the forefront. Homework: Ask your current team what’s most important to them and discuss what they have to say.