How do you level up from being a casual plant lover to a true pro in the horticulture industry? What does it take to become one? There are plenty of things we don't get as hobbyists about the horticulture industry—so much more happening behind the scenes than we can imagine. Fortunately, Leslie Halleck, a favorite guest on the podcast and one of my best plant friends, is here to tell us about how the horticulture industry works and how you might become part of it!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:45] How to turn plant passion into a horticultural career
• [06:54] What is Leslie's background in horticulture?
• [14:46] Don't let shorter days dim your plant's shine with Soltech grow lights!
• [17:01] Nourish your plants with Espoma’s premium organic products!
• [18:42] Leslie’s career transitions
• [23:04] What other jobs are in the horticulture field?
• [24:52] How do plants get from farm to store?
• [29:23] What affects plant prices and availability?
• [34:58] What are the common mistakes aspiring plantrepreneurs make?
• [40:53] What are the educational pathways in horticulture?
• [48:49] Why is horticulture mostly family businesses?
• [51:48] Women's positions in a male-dominated horticultural sector
• [53:27] Leslie’s new horticulture business courses + coaching programs
• [01:00:37] Where can you find out more about Leslie?

 

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The Horticulture Industry

I've realized that as I've gotten more involved with plants and horticulture, I knew very little about the industry. The horticulture industry is enormous with so many different jobs and companies involved. But for some reason, a lot of it just stays somewhat hidden from regular plant lovers like us.

When I went to big horticulture events and conferences like the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), I was amazed at how much happens behind the scenes to get plants from growers to our homes. There's way more to it than we'd ever guess!

 

Different Jobs in Horticulture

If you are into plants and want to work with them, there are plenty of other options besides becoming a social media plant influencer. Leslie has had a wide range of career experiences, including plant research, landscape design, and botanical art. Here are some career opportunities you might want to consider:

• Plant breeding and genetic research
• Wholesale growing
• Controlled environment agriculture
• Culinary horticulture
• Plant styling and interiorscaping
• Landscape architecture and restoration
• Horticulture therapy
• Plant marketing and communications
• Floristry and cut flowers

And those are just a few examples! There are so many cool niches you can get into.

 

How Plants Travel from Greenhouse to Home

A lot of people think of horticulture as simply growing and selling plants—that they go straight from a greenhouse to a plant shop—but the process is actually more complicated. Leslie broke it down for us:

• Plant Development – It might start with a plant breeder creating a new variety then has to be tested for years to see if it's worth introducing
• Propagation and Growing – If it passes the test, it goes to propagators to make more of the plant. Some plants are easy to propagate; others are super tricky. The plants might go through multiple growers as they get bigger
• Marketing and Packaging – There are companies that just make the plant tags and marketing materials
• Distribution – Brokers and distributors are involved in getting plants to stores
• Retail – Finally the plants make it to garden centers or plant shops

This complexity makes certain plants really hard to find and expensive.

 

How to Get Started in a Horticulture Career

If you're thinking about switching to a plant career, here are some of Leslie's tips:

 

Get Some Education

The horticulture industry is very science-based. So you need to study the basics of plant science, not just how to keep your houseplants alive. Some options are:

• Certificate programs (like the one Leslie teaches at UCLA Extension)
• Associate's degree in horticulture
• Bachelor's degree for higher-level jobs
• On-the-job training and experience

Leslie said the Master Gardener program is great for volunteers, but it's not professional training. If you want to work in the industry, a certificate or degree program is better.

 

Start at the Bottom

Like any industry, you'll probably need to start at the bottom and get hands-on experience and training. If you're shifting careers, don't expect to make the same salary you did in your previous job right away. You'll need to put in some grunt work, but getting educated can help you move up faster.

 

Get Hands-On Experience

Book learning is important, but you also need real-world practice. Leslie actually suggests starting at a garden center, calling it “the best bootcamp for any niche in the industry.” Working at a garden center will give you quick training in many different aspects of the plant business.

 

Network and Make Connections

The horticulture world can be kind of insular (limited/restricted), so making connections with people already in the industry is super helpful for finding opportunities. Leslie mentions that going through a certificate program can connect you with industry professionals and potential mentors.

 

Leslie's New Offerings to Help Plant Entrepreneurs

I'm so excited that Leslie is now offering some amazing (and affordable!) ways to learn about the business side of horticulture:

• A 6-week online course on the Business of Horticulture
• Another course on the Business of Selling Plants
• 6-week group coaching sessions for only $450 (which is crazy cheap for Leslie's expertise!)
• One-on-one consulting options

If you're at all interested in working with plants as a career or starting a plant business, definitely check out Leslie's website for more info. Her knowledge is incredible and I know she'll over-deliver on value.

I hope this peek behind the curtain of the horticulture industry was helpful and interesting! The horticulture industry is rich with opportunities for those willing to dig a little deeper. Keep growing and keep spreading that plant joy!

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Cultivate '24
• Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)
• COURSE: The Business of Horticulture
• COURSE: The Business of Selling Plants
• ‘Tiny Plants' by Leslie Halleck
• Professional Horticulture Program | Longwood Gardens
• Horticulture Classes | New York Botanical Garden
• Master Gardeners – American Horticultural Society

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

As we enjoy the summer sun, ensure your plants are still getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions offers grow lights with full-spectrum white light that mimics the sun to keep your plants happy and healthy: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a multi-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code “bloom15”.

Espoma Organic

If you want houseplants that thrive, set them up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mixes and more! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

 

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