Horticulture & Greenhouse

Growing Things. Growing Knowledge.

The Horticulture & Greenhouse program at YSA develops students’ expertise in plant science, controlled environment agriculture, and greenhouse production — skills that are increasingly in demand as food systems evolve.

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Program Overview

From food crops to landscape design — horticulture is one of agriculture’s fastest-growing fields.

Horticulture encompasses everything from food crop production in greenhouses to landscape design, nursery operations, and ornamental growing. Alberta’s horticulture sector is expanding rapidly, driven by growing demand for local food production and advances in greenhouse technology.

YSA’s greenhouse facility provides students with year-round, hands-on growing experience — managing climate systems, nutrient delivery, pest management, and crop cycles across multiple growing environments.

This program is ideal for students with an interest in plant biology, food systems, entrepreneurship, or the business of growing — and provides excellent preparation for post-secondary programs in horticulture science, landscape architecture, or food systems.

What You’ll Learn

The full toolkit of a modern grower.

Plant anatomy, physiology, and growth stages

Greenhouse climate control: temperature, humidity, CO&sub2;, and light management

Hydroponic, aeroponic, and soil-based growing systems

Nutrient management and fertigation systems

Integrated pest management in controlled environments

Propagation techniques: seed, cuttings, grafting

Crop scheduling and production planning

Landscape and nursery plant identification

Irrigation design for greenhouse and outdoor settings

Small business management for horticultural enterprises

Course Pathway

A three-year progression from foundation to mastery.

Year 1 · Grade 10

Foundation

Introduction to Agriculture I
Plant Science & Horticulture I
Greenhouse Operations Fundamentals
Ag Safety & Effective Communications I
Propagation & Seeding Lab

Year 2 · Grade 11

Specialization

Horticulture II (Climate Control & Hydroponics)
Pest & Disease Management in Controlled Environments
Landscape Plant Identification & Design Basics
SAE Project Development — Horticultural Enterprise
Agricultural Business Fundamentals

Year 3 · Grade 12

Mastery

Advanced Greenhouse Production (Commercial Systems)
Horticultural Enterprise Capstone
Controlled Environment Agriculture Technology
SAE Project Completion & Presentation
Post-Secondary Transition: Horticulture & Plant Science Programs

Certifications & Credentials

Graduates leave with industry credentials that travel.

Alberta Pesticide Applicator Certificate (Greenhouse category)

CHEM Safety Training

First Aid & Farm Safety Certificate

Irrigation Association certification (introductory)

OMAFRA Greenhouse Grower certification (where applicable)

Career Pathways

Where this program leads.

Greenhouse Production Manager

Manage commercial greenhouse operations for food or ornamental crops.

Nursery Grower / Manager

Produce and market landscape plants for retail or wholesale.

Landscape Designer / Technician

Design and maintain outdoor plant environments.

Urban Agriculture Specialist

Develop food production systems in urban or community settings.

Hydroponic Systems Technician

Design and maintain commercial hydroponic operations.

Crop Consultant (Horticulture)

Advise greenhouse and vegetable producers on crop management.

Retail Garden Centre Specialist

Provide expert plant knowledge and customer advisory services.

Agricultural Research Assistant (Plant Science)

Support trials in controlled environment facilities.

Industry Connections

Built with the growers shaping Alberta’s horticulture sector.

Horticulture & Greenhouse at YSA is shaped by commercial greenhouse operators, nursery growers, and post-secondary partners across southern Alberta — mentors who help design the curriculum and open doors to placements.

Become an Industry Partner

Big Marble Farms — formal letter of support and greenhouse tour connection
Local greenhouse and nursery operators in southern Alberta — mentorship and site visits
Lethbridge College and Olds College horticulture programs — post-secondary pathway
YSA Advisory Council horticulture representatives — curriculum guidance
Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association — guest speaker network

SAE Opportunities

Real projects. Real outcomes.

Every YSA student designs and runs a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. Here are five starting points for Horticulture & Greenhouse students:

Grow a commercial crop from seed to sale in the YSA greenhouse (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, herbs).

Design a hydroponic system for a specific crop and track production data.

Start a small nursery enterprise propagating and selling ornamental plants.

Document the full climate management system of the YSA greenhouse across seasons.

Develop a pest management plan and monitor its effectiveness across a full crop cycle.

Apply Now

Ready to build a career in Horticulture & Greenhouse?

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Get in touch — or jump straight in.

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