iii Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Horticulture Today was designed to meet the need for a comprehensive, thoroughly
modern, and visually exciting introduction to the study of horticulture. The authors of
Horticulture Today set out to provide learners with a breadth of horticultural knowledge while
also creating awareness of green industry careers and workplace skills needed to be successful
in the twenty-fi rst century. To help readers achieve these goals, the authors have incorporated
supplemental activities, such as interactive sidebars, historical and STEM connections, and
personalized career connections throughout the text.
The organization and content coverage of Horticulture Today was developed with valuable
insight from a panel of expert reviewers and with the National Agriculture, Food, and
Natural Resources Standards at the forefront. The textbook content also correlates to various
state standards and to exam standards for Career Skill Certifi cation™ by Precision Exams.
Horticulture Today is presented in 33 chapters with six logical sections to help readers develop a
fundamental knowledge of plant science and build on this knowledge with ensuing topics.
The initial chapters concentrate on building leadership, communication, and business
skills that can be used in both school and work environments. Chapter 1 and chapter 2 are
focused on FFA and SAE support fundamentals in leadership skills and experiential learning.
Additionally, chapter 3 seeks to help students develop communication and critical thinking
skills needed to compete in the twenty-fi rst century. Chapter 5 focuses on horticulture business
management and continues to build student professionalism, preparing them for future
employment.
The second group of chapters focuses on horticultural biology. Chapter 7 is dedicated
to taxonomy, and chapters 8 through 10 cover basic biology as well as plant growth and
development. Readers will develop an understanding of basic plant biology as well as how
environmental controls can be used to manipulate plant growth. Plant nutrition and soils and
media are discussed in chapters 11 and 12. This highly-illustrated section includes extensive
coverage of defi ciencies, as well as sustainable practices for soil enrichment and preservation.
The third group of chapters is dedicated to plant propagation—ranging from traditional to
modern micropropagation techniques.
The fourth section encompasses a myriad range of horticultural practices, including
greenhouse operations to fi eld cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Readers
will gain an understanding of practices ranging from traditional methods to modern-day
hydroponics. The fi fth section covers design practices in the landscaping, fl oriculture, and
turfgrass industries. Hands-on, step-by-step instructions, installation procedures, and
management practices are also included. The fi nal section provides detailed coverage of
integrated pest management (IPM). Individual chapters cover IPM, insects, disease, weeds,
and pesticide safety and management.
We hope you enjoy our presentation of horticulture for our modern society and continue
to learn and grow as you pursue a career in the green industry or hone your skills as a home
gardener.
Preface