A professional horticulturist who specializes in greenhouse production is known as a greenhouse gardener. The majority of greenhouse gardeners work in retail nurseries, but some also work on farms or research facilities. You must have specialized knowledge of greenhouse cultivation of herbs, vegetables, and flowers to become a greenhouse gardener. This includes techniques such as irrigation, fertilization, and plant propagation. Many professional gardeners are also knowledgeable about a specific plant or aspect of greenhouse management.
Some greenhouse jobs necessitate a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or agriculture, while others only require a strong back. Seeding and growing plants from cuttings are two types of propagation that greenhouse gardeners must be familiar with, as is knowing how to care for seedlings and young plants. In greenhouses, gardeners prepare soil mixes, fertilize and prune plants, and control pests. Other employees are trained in the harvesting, preparation, and packaging of plants for sale and shipping.
In order to maximize production in a greenhouse, plantings must be rotated frequently, which necessitates strong organizational skills in addition to education and experience. You must be able to keep timely and meticulous records if you want to work as a greenhouse gardener in a research setting. Greenhouse workers in a retail nursery are typically responsible for both plant care and customer service, so they must be able to answer customers’ questions and make appropriate recommendations. Retail gardeners are also in charge of keeping the greenhouse clean and attractively displaying plants for sale.
Professional greenhouse gardeners may manage small crews or participate in special projects on farms or in research facilities. Horticulturists are typically involved in quality control and develop seasonal plans to boost production and profits. To work as a greenhouse gardener, you must be able to assess the success or failure of a growing plan, pinpoint the reasons for success or failure, and use the information to create future plans. Inventory management is another important aspect of professional greenhouse gardening, and many employers look for people who have experience with inventory management software.
You should be familiar with the use and maintenance of greenhouse machinery, such as temperature and humidity sensors, soil acidity, and irrigation monitors, before becoming a greenhouse gardener. Timers and irrigation lines are also used by greenhouse gardeners. Conveyor belts, mechanical pot-fillers, and mechanized transport such as fork lifts and carts may also be used in large commercial greenhouses. Some greenhouse jobs also require certification in pesticide use, management, and safety, in addition to knowing how to operate machinery safely.