- Students applying to Environment and Horticulture programs are often required to tolerate physical activity such as walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment.
- These expectations are reflected in our coursework, and applicants of this program should be highly motivated and have an appropriate level of fitness when entering this program.
About this program
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Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
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Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Code: 0737 P0737
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Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
- For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
- Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
- Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.
* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.
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Reach out to us using our contact form and we'll respond within regular business hours.
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Register for an Info SessionOverview
Do you have a passion for science and technology combined with a love for growing plants?
As a Greenhouse Technician, you will gain a strong understanding of plant nutrition, growing environment, pest management and effective use of common industry related equipment and software. Your skills will equip you to successfully manage commercial scale greenhouse or nursery production.
Highlights
The 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in the heart of Canada’s expanding greenhouse industry and serves as a living lab for students including Ontario’s largest training greenhouse, container and field nursery operations, and on-site greenhouse equipment.
Gain practical greenhouse experience working with an integrated pest management system.
Connect with greenhouse leaders via extensive field trips to local ornamental and vegetable greenhouses and industry trade shows.
Graduates can earn a diploma in horticulture or landscaping fields with an additional year of study. Visit the Pathways tab for details.
Our Niagara-on-the-Lake campus is the first postsecondary institution in Canada to be recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Career Opportunities
- Garden centre operation
- Greenhouse crop production
- Greenhouse management
- Horticultural journalism
- Horticultural research
- Nursery management
- IPM (Integrated Pest Management) specialist
- Technical sales
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HORT1003 | Deciduous Trees and Shrubs | 3 |
| HORT1004 | Horticulture Practices and Operations | 3 |
| HORT1006 | Nursery Management | 2 |
| HORT1018 | Landscape Graphics and Design | 3 |
| HORT1007 | Plant Science I | 3 |
| MATH1100 | Mathematics for Horticulture | 3 |
| COMM1101 | Language and Communications | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HORT1008 | Evergreen Ornamentals | 3 |
| HORT1009 | Horticulture Entomology | 3 |
| HORT1015 | Plant Science II | 3 |
| HORT1021 | Landscape Design Build | 3 |
| HORT1248 | Greenhouse Production Science | 3 |
| COMM1250 | Advanced Communications for Horticulture | 2 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
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| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COOP1125 | Co-op Work Term | 0 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HORT1230 | Annuals and Herbaceous Perennials | 3 |
| HORT1245 | Applied Plant Pathology | 3 |
| HORT1300 | Greenhouse Plant Environment | 2 |
| HORT1306 | Greenhouse IPM | 3 |
| HORT1326 | Greenhouse Root-Zone Techniques | 3 |
| HORT1481 | Greenhouse Crops I | 3 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HORT1283 | Sustainable Food Production | 3 |
| HORT1304 | Greenhouse Equipment and Computer Controls | 3 |
| HORT1430 | Greenhouse Vegetable Production | 3 |
| HORT1422 | Horticulture Business and Sales | 3 |
| HORT1581 | Greenhouse Crops II | 3 |
| HORT1317 | Architectural Green Spaces | 3 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
Apply the principles of plant and soil sciences to complete work in horticulture.
Apply practical horticulture skills to the production of plant materials, including herbaceous plants, woody plants, and turf.
Apply the principles of design to horticulture.
Apply basic installation and construction principles and practical skills to horticulture.
Implement maintenance procedures for plants, property, and equipment.
Utilize knowledge of plant identification, usage, and maintenance criteria.
Recognize the potential environmental effects of projects and the need to avoid environmental damage and promote healthier ecosystems.
Apply the principles and practical skills of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to indoor and outdoor plants.
Contribute to the effective planning, implementation, and conclusion of projects.
Use safe working practices.
Use business practices appropriate to the horticulture industry.
Act in a professional manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and career opportunities and to keep pace with industry changes.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:
These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.
- Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
- Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
- Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Selection and Ranking
Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.
Learn more about admission decisions.
Program Requirements
Transportation
- Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
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Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer/Technology Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:
- A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
- Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
- An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
- Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.
Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)
The technology requirements indicate there is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products. Can I still take my program if I have a Macbook or Chromebook?
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 10 computer (as outlined in the "Computer/Technology Requirements" section on this page) for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and the majority of internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed. Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Blackboard, and while students can access Blackboard through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks nor Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Back to TopAvailability
Legendfor intake status table
Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
Pathways
Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) program below.
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC PathwayThis program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:Niagara College — Horticultural Technician (Co-op)
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NC PathwayThis program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:Niagara College — Landscape Technician (Co-op)
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From NC toRoyal Roads University — Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice Canada
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From NC toRoyal Roads University — Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Canada
For detailed information about these pathway options visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Did you know?
Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.
Tuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2023-2024
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $2,984.94
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,342.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$285.00
|
|
Level one Total
|
$2,984.94
|
Level two $2,371.94
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$994.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$20.00
|
|
Level two Total
|
$2,371.94
|
Level three Co-op/Work Term
Co-op/work terms have no tuition cost, however the co-op fee(s) in previous terms covers administration of this term.
Year 1 Total: $5,356.88
Year 2
Level four $2,549.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,036.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$155.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$2,549.44
|
Level five $2,074.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$716.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level five Total
|
$2,074.44
|
Year 2 Total: $4,623.88
Estimated Program Total:
$9,980.76
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.
Explore Scholarships & BursariesAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesThe below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.
Year: 2023-2024
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $9,697.45
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,325.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$2,087.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$285.00
|
|
Level one Total
|
$9,697.45
|
Level two $8,504.45
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,325.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,159.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$20.00
|
|
Level two Total
|
$8,504.45
|
Level three Co-op/Work Term
Co-op/work terms have no tuition cost, however the co-op fee(s) in previous terms covers administration of this term.
Year 1 Total: $18,201.90
Year 2
Level four $9,261.95
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,325.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,781.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$155.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$9,261.95
|
Level five $8,206.95
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,325.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$881.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level five Total
|
$8,206.95
|
Year 2 Total: $17,468.90
Estimated Program Total:
$35,670.80
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
Access over $200,000 in scholarships and awards.
Explore & ApplyAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesCosts and Dates
General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.
What is your tuition estimate?
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
Co-op
A program with a co-op (co-operative education) component means that the curriculum combines an in-class education along with hands-on experience of working a job in the program's field of study.
During co-op work terms students are able to link what they learned in the classroom in a real workplace. Understanding the skills they've developed academically helps create a more meaningful college experience, and means they are better prepared for their career after graduation.
For Students
- Co-op terms are paid. Earn while you learn!
- Practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom.
- Gain experience in your field of study before you graduate.
- Develop references and connections.
- Hone your skills with feedback from your employer.
For Employers
- Low cost with tax credits and other funding available.
- Hire for peak season, staff coverage, special projects, etc.
- Help prepare students with career-related work experience.
- Minimal training required.
- Proven recruiting strategy for future staff.
