Horticulture
28 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
HORT A100 Horticultural Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The science and culture of plants upon which man's very existence depends. The principles and practices used to grow plants for food and environmental enhancement will be emphasized.
HORT A101 Current Topics in Horticulture
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 18-72 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will explore the latest advancements, research findings, and emerging trends within the field of horticulture.
HORT A105 Botany for Gardeners
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The world of garden plants, their structure, form and how they function. A course for the plant professional and plant enthusiasts.
HORT A109 Knowing Your Soils
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A nontechnical study of the fundamental concepts of soil science. Methods of investigations for the managements of soils and soil substitutes.
HORT A111 Landscape Drafting Technique
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Basic landscape drafting practices, lettering, line work, symbols, sheet composition and dimensioning.
HORT A115 Landscape Graphics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course begins exploring drawing techniques necessary to perform tasks related to communicating design concepts in landscape design. The emphasis is on easy, time-saving techniques that build from understanding perspective to rapid sketching skills. Field sketching is also a vital communication skill in environmental design, as it enables designers to quickly record ideas whether simply for their own use, or to share with a client to gather early feedback on usability, form, and aesthetic. Using both indoor and outdoor venues around the campus, students will learn to communicate their thoughts visually and integrate their sketching into the design process.
HORT A116 Digital Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to digital techniques while explaining the processes associated with describing and designing the landscape. In addition, this course guides the student through from their first impression of a site, through concept and schematic design and presentation to construction and site drawings, concluding with a case study that shows the final result. The designer needs to know about digital tools and use them at the various stages of a concept development. In the journey from concept to realization, it is important to have the right tools and methods of representation and use them in an intelligent and skillful way.
HORT A146 Introduction to Aquaponics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to introduce students to the science of aquaponics — a sustainable method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) for a variety of applications. Through a blend of lectures and hands-on lab work based in our aquaponics greenhouses, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding and implementing aquaponic systems at various scales. Enrollment Limitation: MRSC A146; students who complete HORT A146 may not enroll in or receive credit for MRSC A146.
HORT A150 Landscape Maintenance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Maintenance of residential and small commercial landscapes to include: small tree and shrub trimming, all aspects of lawn care, soil amending, fertilizing, sprinkler adjustments, watering, pest inspections, and scheduling.
HORT A151 Introduction to Tree Care
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the many aspects of tree care.
HORT A170 Pest Control Applicators and Gardeners P.C.O. Certification
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Preparation for California Certification Exam as Pesticide Applicator and Gardeners Maintenance Pest Control Operators. Emphasis on safe use of pesticides, alternative pest management. Ornamental, turf grass, industrial, right-of-way and seed treatment control.
HORT A181 Ornamental Trees
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
Identification, habits of growth, culture, propagation, and use of ornamental trees in landscape design for Southern California.
HORT A182 Ornamental Shrubs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
Habits of growth, culture, propagation, and use in landscape design for Southern California. Identification will be emphasized.
HORT A183 Plant Propagation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Principles and practice of propagation of horticultural plants. Propagation from seed, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
HORT A184 Greenhouse and Nursery Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A survey of the nursery industry. Nursery structures and equipment, construction, operation and use in the production of commercial crops. Cultural aspects of crop production.
HORT A185 Plant Diseases
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Common diseases of plants, emphasis on ornamentals grown in Southern California. Their symptoms and control of salinity, air pollutants, fungi, bacteria, virus, nematodes and other causal agents of plant diseases.
HORT A186 Pests of Ornamentals
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Common mite, insect, and other animal pests of ornamental plants and common weeds of Southern California are described and identified and ways to prevent and treat infestations are discussed.
HORT A189 Weeds and Their Control
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Recognition of landscape control of weeds in the landscape and in nurseries with emphasis on practical applications.
HORT A190 California Friendly Landscape
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Developing new and retrofitting existing landscapes with California friendly plant material.
HORT A191 Cacti and Succulents
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
How to use the plants from the deserts of the world in the Southern California landscape. Identification, growth habits, culture, propagation, design considerations, and conservation.
HORT A200 Chronicles of Garden Design through the Ages
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introduction course is a historical survey of the development of designed landscapes from ancient times through the 21st century. The course will emphasize the cultural, social, and economic contexts that have shaped and informed historic landscapes, broadly defined, and the influence of environmental concerns, horticultural techniques, and technological innovations.
HORT A283 Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce and broadly explore how Therapeutic Gardens and the field of Horticultural Therapy incorporates the use of plants and gardening activities to promote health and wellness for people of many ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Topics will include people/plant relationship theories, horticultural therapy as a specialized field, Therapeutic Gardens and their use, and the societal impacts of Horticultural Therapy and research that supports it.
HORT A285 Introduction to Landscape Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Landscape design, circulation, form, materials, scale. Preparation of landscape design plans.
HORT A286 Landscape Design Elements
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Design of basic garden elements (i.e. walls, arbors, pools, steps, fences). Reviews construction materials and their inherent qualities. Preparation of construction drawings.
HORT A287 Planting Design
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Design and preparation of landscape planting plans. Emphasis on ecological and aesthetic considerations.
HORT A288 Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Design
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
How to design irrigation sprinkler systems for small areas, such as residential properties and small industrial sites.
HORT A289 Installation of Residential Irrigation Systems
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A hands-on experience with the installation of a residential irrigation system to include: materials lists, layout, trenching, gluing and fitting lines, sprinklers and nozzles, valve manifolds, and clocks. Emphasis on planning, layout, and time saving practical methods. To include one Saturday installation.
HORT A099N Current Topics in Horticulture
- Hours
- 18-72 lecture hours
In this noncredit course, the student will explore the latest advancements, research findings, and emerging trends within the field of horticulture.