Horticulture
17 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
HORT 50 Introduction to Horticulture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AG-PS 104
Botanical nomenclature, anatomy and physiology, plant growth and development are presented. Soils, media, fertilizers, and watering methods are discussed. Preliminary Landscape design, installation and maintenance is included. Current practices of plant propagation, plant disorders and pest management, and 21st Century horticulture trends will be explored. (8 hours of lab to be scheduled on Saturdays which may include one or more field trips)
HORT 51 Fall Plant Material Identification
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Identification of landscape and garden plants will be categorized. Growth habit, climatic adaptation, ornamental value, maintenance and care of trees, shrubs, vines will be studied, with the focus on deciduous trees and fall flowering plants. (8 hours of lab to be scheduled on Saturdays which may include one or more field trips)
HORT 52 Spring Plant Material Identification
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Identification of landscape and garden plants will be categorized. Growth habit, climatic adaptation, ornamental value, maintenance and care of trees, shrubs, vines will be studied, with the focus on evergreen and spring flowering plants. 8 hours of lab to be scheduled on Saturdays, which may include one or more field trips.
HORT 53 Landscape and Vineyard Pest and Disease Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers concepts of plant pathology, entomology, and weed science which are studied in order to identify symptoms, diagnose problems, and determine methods of controlling plant diseases, insects, and weed pests. Also included is the study of the identification and biology of common vineyard, landscape and other horticultural crop pests and diseases. Materials and instruction is provided for techniques and strategies for sampling, monitoring and effective control measures, pest management strategies for insects, weeds and diseases, including bio-control, sustainable agriculture practices and integrated pest management. In addition to pesticide use, safety and compliance, there is a focus on preparation for the California State Qualified Applicators license. Students may receive credit for HORT 53 or VWT 35, but not both.
HORT 54 Landscape and Vineyard Soils, Fertilizers, and Irrigation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Areas of study will include: soil classification, derivation, uses, function and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. There is a focus on vineyard and landscape planting media, soil substitutes, hydroponics, and amendments to improve and promote plant growth which includes plant and vine nutrition, essential nutrients required for plant growth and healthy development. There will be instruction covering materials used for fertilizers which includes material origins, use, and application; and irrigation systems which will cover materials required for basic irrigation systems used in vineyard and landscape settings. Students may receive credit for HORT 54 or VWT 12, but not both.
HORT 55 Greenhouse, Nursery, and Garden Center Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores many horticulture specializations including management and operations of retail and wholesale nurseries, greenhouse growers, specialized growers of trees, shrubs, flowers, hydroponics growers, vegetable growers. Emphasis on plant propagation, propagation structures, greenhouses, nursery and garden center management and operations. Employment opportunities are in the wholesale and retail horticulture industry.
HORT 56 Arboriculture/Urban Forestry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Care, maintenance, planting, and pruning of trees, shrubs, and vines are discussed. Specific pruning techniques for ornamental trees, fruit trees, shrubs, roses, and other woody plants are demonstrated. Principles of urban forestry, tree preservation, health, growth characteristics, plant selection, planting, irrigation, fertilization, and damage repair are studied. (8 hours of lab to be scheduled on Saturdays, which may include one or more field trips)
HORT 57 Landscape and Turfgrass Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles and practices of landscape and turfgrass management as practiced by horticultural professionals, landscape contractors, and grounds keepers will be covered, including preparation, installation, maintenance, renovation, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control of landscape developments for residential, commercial, public grounds, golf courses, and gardens.
HORT 58 Landscape Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
Design, engineering, construction techniques, and installation methods for landscape site development. Cost estimating, bidding, construction materials, methods, equipment, tools, and safety for landscape plan implementation. Contracts, specifications, and legal aspects regarding landscape installation and site development.
HORT 59 Landscape Design
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Landscape site planning and landscape architectural design for residential properties, home gardens, and small-scale use areas. Procedures and methods required in the planning and design process; site inventory, site analysis, user group analysis, preparation of site study diagrams, preliminary designs, and master site plans. Theory and principles of design, site layout, landscape elements, and material selection. Sketching, drafting, delineation, reproduction, and coloring techniques for landscape architectural plans. Selection and use of drawing tools, materials, and equipment.
HORT 60 Landscape Irrigation Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Planning, design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems for landscape, garden, and turfgrass use. Principles of hydraulics, layout, and equipment application. Irrigation system equipment, components, methods of installation and repair. Principles and techniques of water conservation and plant-water-soil relations.
HORT 62 California Native and Dry Landscapes
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the native plant communities of California and identifies native plants suitable for the design and installation of dry landscapes in Northern California. The focus of this course is the planning, design, installation, care, and maintenance of drought tolerant landscapes, with the goal of creating more sustainable landscapes.
HORT 63 Sustainable Landscape
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines natural ecosystems in order to learn concepts essential to create and maintain sustainable, environmentally sound landscapes. The focus of this course is on planning, designing, installing, and maintaining of landscapes, through the use of ecologically sound construction techniques, materials, and systems.
HORT 67 Interior Plantscapes
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Identification, use, propagation, growth, environmental adaptation, ornamental value, and care of container, indoor, and house plants.
HORT 71 Fundamentals of Hydroponics and Aquaponics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
The ecological design and operation of urban agriculture that covers the fundamental principles of raising fish and vegetable crops in soil-less media.
HORT 73 Computer Aided Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to basic techniques in computer aided design for interior and exterior design, with emphasis on user terminology and hands-on learning. How to set up drawings, dimensioning systems appropriate to architecture. Floor plans, landscapes, details, drawings and other techniques using the computer. Students may receive credit for INTD 40 or HORT 73, but not both.
HORT 74 Introduction to Urban Agriculture
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an introductory course to the art, science and practical implementation of urban agriculture techniques. Students learn where our food comes from, how a small-scale farm can impact the community, and to change our role in the food system from consumer to producer. Students will work in the garden, conduct research, and learn how to design and manage an urban garden or farm.