Horticulture
21 courses · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
HORT 115 Soil Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PS-128L
This course examines the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and covers soil conditions that restrict plant growth. Students learn to solve soil problems that may exist in the field, greenhouse, and landscape with a focus on sustainable practices. The course emphasizes problem-solving techniques that apply to Southern California soils, including fertility, salinity, pH, high calcium, specific toxicities, and physical problems. Students are required to participate in field labs and trips. C-ID AG-PS-128L.
HORT 116 Plant Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PS-104, PS-106L
This introductory course offers students an opportunity to learn the basic principles of plant science pertaining to food and ornamental plants. The course emphasizes plant morphology, anatomy and function, plant physiology, reproduction, biotic and abiotic environmental factors that impact plant growth and development, plant-soil-climate interrelationships, plant taxonomy and nomenclature, and plant diversity and adaptations. Learning activities include plant studies in the field, greenhouse, and landscape. Students are required to attend field labs and field trips. C-ID AG-PS-104, AG-PS-106L.
HORT 117 Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- EH-108L, EH-112L
This course covers the identification, growth habits, culture, and ornamental use of plants found in Southern California landscapes. Topics include botanical and common names, plant family relationships, drought tolerance, and other environmental adaptations. Students learn to identify by sight memory more than 200 plants from professional certification test and local plant lists. Students are required to attend field trips both on and off campus. C-ID AG-EH-108L, AG-EH-112L.
HORT 118 Arboriculture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- EH 130
This course introduces the care and management of landscape trees in urban settings. It covers soil, water, and nutrient management, integrated pest management, and tree biology. Topics include tree selection, protection, fertilization, pruning basics, urban forest management, safety, and risk management. This course prepares students for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification exam and provides ISA Continuing Education Units (CEUs). C-ID AG-EH 130 000X.
HORT 121 Sustainable Landscape and Turf Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces landscape ecosystems and emphasizes sustainable management practices of turfgrass, trees, and landscape plantings. Students learn best management practices, including soil preparation, nutrient management, irrigation, mowing, pruning and growth control, integrated pest management, and fire safety. Students practice basic skills needed for successful maintenance of landscaped areas in accordance with sustainable and ecological principles. Participation in field trips and field labs is required.
HORT 122 Horticulture Laws and Regulations
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the laws and regulations that apply to the agriculture and horticulture industries, including possible legal issues for nursery owners, landscape managers, farmers, and others engaged in crop production and landscape planning. Topics include U.S., California, and local agencies and ordinances governing contracts, environmental and natural resource issues, agricultural employees, and pesticide regulations. This course prepares students to pass the Laws and Regulations section of the California Department of Pesticide Regulations licensing exams and others.
HORT 126 Irrigation and Water Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- EH 144X
This course introduces the design, installation, and maintenance of water-efficient irrigation systems. Topics include water supply, basic hydraulics, climate, soil and plant characteristics, component identification and terminology, auditing, scheduling, pipe sizing, layout, electrical components, and water conservation practices appropriate for southern California. Participation in field exercises, field trips, and other lab activities is required. C-ID AG-EH 144X.
HORT 127 Landscape Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the principles and practices of landscape design. Topics include the principles and process of design, drafting, hand drawn graphics, and presentation methods. Projects emphasize residential and small commercial sites. Students are required to attend field trips.
HORT 128 Landscape Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- EH 132X
This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape construction. Topics include soil preparation, paving and construction materials, hand and power tool use, turf and plant installation, plan reading, estimating, and bid preparation. The course also covers local codes, state requirements, and new technologies. It prepares students to pass the C-27 Landscaping Contractor's License exam. Students are required to participate in lab activities and attend field trips. C-ID AG-EH 132X.
HORT 134 Integrated Pest Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- EH 120X
This course examines the common pests that invade ornamental plantings and nursery crops in Southern California, including weeds, invertebrate pests, and plant diseases. Students learn to diagnose pest problems and design solutions to these problems based upon an integration of approved pest management techniques and practices including cultural, biological, mechanical/physical, and chemical control methods. This course is designed to assist students in preparing for California licensing exams in pest management or to earn continuing education hours to maintain their license. C-ID AG-EH 120X.
HORT 140 Subtropical Fruit and Plant Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the principles and practices involved in subtropical fruit and plant production, such as citrus and avocados, and other emerging crops. Topics include propagation, site selection, planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. The course also covers harvest techniques, marketing, and industry economic trends. Field trips to local orchards and groves are required.
HORT 144 Nursery Management and Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course analyzes the operation and management of plant nursery facilities and personnel, including cultural practices, scheduling of nursery crops, marketing, and legal and environmental issues. Students examine the relationships of light, temperature, moisture, humidity, and fertility as well as their impact on plant production. Topics include pruning, transplanting, propagation, and pest control methods. Students are required to attend field trips to local nurseries.
HORT 147 Wines of California
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the wines and major wine producing regions of California. It covers history, viticultural practices, winemaking styles, and sensory evaluation techniques of representative California wines. Students must be at least 21.
HORT 149 Vineyard Production and Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers responsibilities of vineyard management. Topics include climate zones, soil selection, financing, farm organization, irrigation systems, field layout, varietal selection, nutritional needs, harvesting, labor management, marketing, and budgeting. Students are required to attend field trips to local vineyards.
HORT 150 Winery Operations and Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory level course on starting and managing a winery business covers permits, annual plans and budgets, marketing, tasting room operations, and legal compliance. Students are required to attend field trips.
HORT 162 Organic Crop Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the principles and practices of organic crop production. It applies sustainability principles and ecological concepts to field-based exercises and hands-on practices in the production of edible and ornamental crops. Topics emphasized include selecting, starting, and maintaining crops, irrigation methods, organic weed and pest control strategies, harvesting, farm management, and crop marketing and sales. Students are required to attend in-person field trips.
HORT 166 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces sustainable agriculture and agro-ecological theory from a multi-disciplinary scientific perspective. It will focus on the application of sustainability concepts to growth and production of edible, ornamental, and specialty crops in the temperate southern California climate. Diverse agricultural systems and practices and their relative sustainability are analyzed for suitability to site and environment. Topics include the history and evolution of agriculture as well as historical, conventional, and alternative farming systems with a focus on modern applications and present day environmental concerns.
HORT 220 Computer-Aided Landscape Design Applications
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the application of computer-based design software packages, including image manipulation, modeling, multimedia, and drafting combined with hand graphics for the development of landscape plans, perspectives, elevation drawings, and presentation graphics.
HORT 230 Landscape Architecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Prerequisite
- HORT 127
- Transfers to
- CSU
This project-based class offers continued study in the field of landscape architectural design. It emphasizes site analysis, sensory evaluation, sustainable design principles, cost considerations, rendering, site details, model building, and oral presentation. Students work both individually and in groups on projects at the urban and community scale, and they are required to attend field trips.
HORT 292 Internship Studies
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
HORT 299 Occupational Work Experience Education
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.