Making the world a better place...
one plant at a time
Horticulture is plant science that includes the study of plant growth and plant interactions with the environment (soil, air, water) to improve human life through the cultivation of crops and the maintenance of a sustainable environment. Horticulture is unique as a scientific field of study in that it often utilizes artistic expression to aid the design of human landscapes and to restore natural environments. At its core it is an environmental science that recognizes that humans are dependent on their environment for sustenance and well-being that has developed as a field of study that recognizes humans are philosophically and artistically linked to nature through millions of years of human evolution.
Virginia Tech’s Department of Horticulture offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a range of applied and basic environmental plant science topics, from plant-soil interactions, biotechnology, landscape design, sustainable urban landscaping, urban forestry, crop production, and plant breeding.
Our department is committed to engaging students in service and learning projects in the local community. To read more about our Engaged Department Award, click here.
VT Horticulture News
Congratulations to Susan Day, VT's teacher of the week! article
Horticulture PhD student, Scott Lowman, is featured in a VT Spotlight on Innovation for co-founding the Lynchburg Grows program. article
Greg Peck is featured in an article on organic apple production in the Wilton Villager. article
VT Hosts Ecological Society of America Conference on Disturbed Environments which is organized and administered by our very own Susan Day! VT News Article
Job Opening: Laboratory and Research Technician in molecular crop breeding research Job Posting in VT jobs
Congratulations to the HortHokies for finishing 9th out of 60 competing schools from around the country at the 3-day PLANET Student Career Days competition at Kansas State University!
We welcome Susan Clark, Founding Director of the Civic Agriculture Program to the Horticulture Department! She will help build the sustainable foods component of our Environmental Horticulture major. VT Innovations Article on the Civic Agriculture Program
Grad assistanceship open at the Eastern Shore AREC! Announcement
Roger Harris is awarded 2011 VNLA Professional of the Year! Congratulations, Roger! Award Statement
Alan McDaniel, recently received the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) VIP award. Congratulations Alan! VT News Article