Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Landscape and Horticulture Technology 
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1101060502	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	60 credit hours	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to instruction pertaining to an understanding of plant physiology and growth, plant nutrition and fertilization, plant classification and identification, propagation, pest control, pruning and shaping plants, maintenance of landscape plants, drainage and irrigation systems, equipment management, marketing, cultural and environmental management, business management, design, and employability and human relations skills.  This program also prepares for certification and licensure as a horticulture professional, landscape technician, or landscape contractor and designer.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 60 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and growth.
02.0	Classify plants.
03.0	Determine drainage system needs and design a drainage system.
04.0	Select tools and equipment.
05.0	Fertilize plants.
06.0	Manage a pest-control program.
07.0	Prune and shape plants.
08.0	Protect plants and equipment from adverse weather.
09.0	Maintain and analyze records.
10.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
11.0	Demonstrate managerial and supervisory skills.

Horticulture Specialization
12.0	Prepare growing media and seedbeds. 
13.0	Propagate plants. 
14.0	Grow plants. 
15.0	Protect plants and equipment from adverse weather. 
16.0	Harvest, process, and ship plants. 
17.0	Design horticulture facilities. 
18.0	Design nursery irrigation systems.

Landscape Specialization
19.0	Analyze and design the project (landscape and interiorscape). 
20.0	Prepare, estimate, and establish contracts. 
21.0	Analyze and organize the project. 
22.0	Lay out and install landscape. 
23.0	Plan and install a drainage system. 
24.0	Maintain customer relations and observe follow-up procedures. 
25.0	Maintain landscape plants. 
26.0	Select landscape tools and equipment. 
27.0	Plan and service landscape irrigation systems. 

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Landscape and Horticulture Technology
CIP Number:	1101060502
Program Length:	60 credit hours

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and growth. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Describe the process of photosynthesis. 	
01.02	Identify and describe the functions of all parts of the plant.	
01.03	Describe an asexual reproduction process.	
01.04	Explain the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms.	
01.05	Identify the differences between woody and herbaceous plants.	
02.0	Classify plants. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Identify and group shade and flowering trees.	
02.02	Identify and group fruit trees and plants.	
02.03	Identify and group annuals, vegetables, and herbs.	
02.04	Identify and group woody ornamentals, vines, and ground covers.	
02.05	Identify and group tropical foliage plants.	
02.06	Identify and group turf and ornamental grasses.	
03.0	Determine drainage system needs and design a drainage system. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Determine the natural slope/grade of an area.	
03.02	Determine the texture and percolation characteristics of the soil.	
03.03	Identify techniques for constructing ditches and culverts.	
03.04	Direct the movement of water away from structures and installations.	
03.05	Design and underground drainage system.	
04.0	Select tools and equipment. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Determine equipment needs for the company.	
04.02	Select equipment for the job.	
04.03	Supervise the service and maintenance of power equipment.	
04.04	Maintain an inventory of parts and supplies.	
05.0	Fertilize plants. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Evaluate influences of nutrients on plant growth.	
05.02	Evaluate plants for nutrient deficiencies.	
05.03	Interpret and evaluate the results of soil and leaf tissue analysis.	
05.04	Select appropriate forms of fertilizer to correct nutrient deficiencies.	
05.05	Identify appropriate methods of fertilizer application (dry, liquid, slow-release, injection, etc.).	
05.06	Demonstrate proper handling and storage of fertilizers, observing safety precautions.	
05.07	Measure pH and EC and relate values to nutrient availability.	
06.0	Manage a pest-control program. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Develop an integrated pest management program or schedule.	
06.02	Train employees in the safe use of pesticides.	
06.03	Determine pesticide licensure requirements.	
07.0	Prune and shape plants. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Train employees in pruning techniques.	
07.02	Develop a pruning program and time schedule. 	
07.03	Identify and use tools for pruning.	
07.04	Identify proper pruning techniques and how they effect plant growth.	
07.05	Select plant growth regulators.	
07.06	Demonstrate sanitation and safety practices when pruning.	
08.0	Protect plants and equipment from adverse weather. The student will be able to:	
08.01	Monitor and interpret weather forecasts.	
08.02	Supervise procedures for protecting plants and equipment from adverse weather.	
08.03	Compare cost and efficiency of various methods of protecting plants and equipment from adverse weather.	
09.0	Maintain and analyze records. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Determine the application of spread sheets in the industry.	
09.02	Maintain fertilizer and pesticide application records.	
09.03	Keep equipment maintenance and service records.	
09.04	Maintain sales and production records.	
09.05	Record labor and personnel information.	
09.06	Keep inventory records.	
09.07	Analyze cost and effectiveness of management practices.	
09.08	Determine plant production cost.	
09.09	Prepare an annual budget.	
09.10	Use computers in the landscape and horticulture operations.	
10.0	Demonstrate employability skills. The student will be able to:	
10.01	Conduct a job search.	
10.02	Secure information about a job.	
10.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job.	
10.04	Create a resume and cover letter.	
10.05	Demonstrate competency in job interview techniques.	
10.06	Identify or demonstrate appropriate responses to criticism from employer, supervisor, or other person.	
10.07	Identify acceptable work habits.	
10.08	Demonstrate knowledge of how to make job changes.	
11.0	Demonstrate managerial and supervisory skills. The student will be able to:	
11.01	Instruct employees in their tasks.	
11.02	Prepare daily work plans.	
11.03	Enforce safety regulations.	
11.04	Organize and conduct employee training.	
11.05	Evaluate performance of employees.	
11.06	Prepare job descriptions.	
11.07	Conduct job interviews.	
11.08	Demonstrate effective communication skills.	
11.09	Demonstrate computer literacy as related to landscape and horticulture operations.	
Horticulture Specialization	
12.0	Prepare growing media and seedbeds. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify media materials.	
12.02	Mix rooting and growing media according to plant requirements.	
12.03	Sterilize rooting, potting, and growing media.	
12.04	Collect and test a soil sample from field and potting media.	
12.05	Adjust pH and nutritional levels of media.	
12.06	Prepare planting beds and sites.	
12.07	Fill and level benches and pots with media.	
12.08	Demonstrate sanitation practices when handling and storing plant media materials.	
12.09	Identify appropriate soilless media materials for soilless plant production.	
13.0	Propagate plants. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Collect propagation materials at proper time (seeds, cuttings, scions, bulbs, etc.).	
13.02	Demonstrate propagation (grafting, budding, layering, separating, dividing, cutting, and tissue culturing, etc.).	
13.03	Prepare flats and a seedbed and plant seeds.	
13.04	Prepare a rooting bed.	
13.05	Prepare propagation materials (seeds, cuttings, scions, etc.)	
13.06	Apply growth stimulants to propagation materials.	
13.07	Control propagation facility environment (moisture, temperature, light).	
13.08	Transplant rooted propagation materials including tissue culture transplants.	
13.09	Describe advanced propagation techniques (tissue, culture, pre-germination, seed irradiation, tree cuttings).	
13.10	Demonstrate sanitation and safety practices when propagating.	
14.0	Grow plants. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Prepare media for containers.	
14.02	Prepare field site for transplants.	
14.03	Select plant containers.	
14.04	Determine plant spacing in the field and on container beds.	
14.05	Transplant propagated materials to various containers and to the field.	
14.06	Determine and provide light requirements of various plant types.	
14.07	Determine water requirements and apply water at proper rates.	
14.08	Identify weeds and apply herbicides.	
14.09	Determine fertilization requirements.	
14.10	Identify insect and insect-like disease problems and apply pesticides.	
14.11	Demonstrate safety practices when applying pesticides.	
15.0	Protect plants and equipment from adverse weather. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Monitor and interpret weather forecasts.	
15.02	Supervise procedures for protecting plants and equipment from adverse weather.	
15.03	Compare cost and efficiency of various methods of protecting plants and equipment from adverse weather.	
15.04	List plants according to environmental tolerances (light, temperature, moisture, wind, salt, etc.).	
16.0	Harvest, process, and ship plants. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Identify mechanical techniques for harvesting field-grown plants (tree spade and mechanical digger).	
16.02	Demonstrate an understanding of selecting, grading, and assembling container grown plants.  	
16.03	Prepare for shipment, loading, and transporting harvested plant materials.	
16.04	Use proper methods for preserving plant viability.	
16.05	Demonstrate safety practices when harvesting, processing, and shipping nursery stock.	
17.0	Design horticulture facilities. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Design a facility for propagating plants.	
17.02	Design a bedding-plants growing facility.	
17.03	Design a container growing facility.	
17.04	Design a field growing facility.	
17.05	Design a tropical foliage growing facility.	
17.06	Design a retail facility.	
17.07	Identify different types of soilless growing systems.	
18.0	Design nursery irrigation systems. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Determine irrigation requirements.	
18.02	Assess quality of irrigation water.	
18.03	Design and set up an irrigation system for propagation area, greenhouse or enclosed structure, shade house, retail display area, and field-growing area.	
18.04	Operate various types of irrigation systems.	
18.05	Calculate cost efficiency of irrigation system.	
Landscape Specialization	
19.0	Analyze and design the project (landscape and interiorscape). The student will be able to:	
19.01	Determine the purpose, problems, or desired effect of the project.	
19.02	Analyze the environmental conditions of the landscape or interiorscape.	
19.03	Determine site analysis problems.	
19.04	Demonstrate working knowledge of Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD) system.	
19.05	Design hardscape plan.	
19.06	Design and select appropriate plant materials for desired effect and function.	
19.07	Determine the method and form of presentation of the project.	
20.0	Prepare, estimate, and establish contracts. The student will be able to:	
20.01	Develop a list of materials required for the project.	
20.02	Determine equipment needs.	
20.03	Estimate time and man hours.	
20.04	Determine cost of materials, equipment, and labor.	
20.05	Prepare a price for customer, based on specifications.	
20.06	Establish terms of a contract.	
21.0	Analyze and organize the project. The student will be able to:	
21.01	Interpret plans and specifications.	
21.02	Identify safety requirements.	
21.03	Organize site preparation.	
21.04	Locate project materials.	
21.05	Determine personnel needs.	
21.06	Determine equipment needs.	
21.07	Establish project schedule.	
22.0	Lay out and install landscape. The student will be able to:	
22.01	Locate existing utilities.	
22.02	Identify procedures for site specific rough grading.	
22.03	Describe the procedures for constructing a hardscape. (walls, walks, patio, drives, etc.)	
22.04	Identify procedures for lay out and installation of plants.	
22.05	Identify the procedures for preparing an interiorscape.	
22.06	Identify procedures for preparing final grade.	
22.07	Identify procedures for lawn installation.	
22.08	Identify procedures for mulch installation.	
22.09	Identify procedures for preforming final clean up.	
23.0	Plan and install a drainage system. The student will be able to:	
23.01	Plan the construction of an underground drainage system.	
23.02	Estimate and order appropriate fill materials.	
23.03	Establish proper elevations and grade a landscape site.	
23.04	Read soil and contour maps.	
24.0	Maintain customer relations and observe follow-up procedures. The student will be able to:	
24.01	Conduct walk-through of project with client to ensure satisfaction.	
24.02	Identify current and future maintenance requirements.	
24.03	Analyze project records for profitability and employee performance.	
25.0	Maintain landscape plants. The student will be able to:	
25.01	Determine water requirements at proper rates.	
25.02	Identify weeds and appropriate herbicide application.	
25.03	Determine fertilization requirements 	
25.04	Regulate growth of landscape plants.	
25.05	Maintain turf viability (mow at proper height and frequency, aerate, edge, clip, and remove trash).	
25.06	Identify plant pest problems and apply corrective measures.	
26.0	Select landscape tools and equipment. The student will be able to:	
26.01	Determine equipment needs for the company.	
26.02	Select equipment for the job.	
26.03	Instruct and supervise employees in the safe use of tools and equipment.	
26.04	Maintain an inventory of parts and supplies.	
27.0	Plan and service landscape irrigation systems. The student will be able to:	
27.01	Determine irrigation requirements.	
27.02	Assess quality of irrigation water.	
27.03	Plan an irrigation system.	
27.04	Supervise the installation of irrigation equipment.	
27.05	Operate and service low-volume irrigation system.	
27.06	Operate and service overhead irrigation system.	
27.07	Operate and maintain automatic system.	
27.08	Calculate cost efficiency of an irrigation system.	
27.09	Design and underground drainage system.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

Planned and supervised occupational activities may be provided through directed laboratory experience, practicum or cooperative experience. whenever the cooperative method of instruction is offered, the following is required for each student:  a training plan, signed by the student, teacher and employer which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; a work station which reflects equipment, skills and tasks which are relevant to the occupation which the student has chosen as a career goal.  The student may receive compensation for work performed. 

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.). This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates (CCC):

Landscape and Horticulture Professional (0101060504) – 18 credit hours
	Landscape and Horticulture Specialist (0101060503) – 12 credit hours
	Landscape and Horticulture Technician (0101060505) – 30 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.