Our vision is to be a clear, inspiring source of information for entering into, or progressing within, the horticultural industry. Our mission is to both increase the number of new entrants into the sector, and inform progression and diversification of careers within the industry.
To achieve the above we provide guidance and advice to anyone that needs it. We are here to help, be it through providing profiles of those already working within the industry to inspire and excite, respond to careers questions via email, or share the advice we have collected from experienced horticultural professionals.
Recordings of previous Grow Careers events can be found in the webinar library. Details of forthcoming Grow Careers events can be found in the Events section. If you would be interested in sponsoring one of the Grow Careers events please contact us: cih@horticulture.org.uk.
Plants for People, Plants for our Planet
Dr. Owen Doyle is a chartered horticulturist providing consultancy services with Bio-Logic Ltd. In an era of climate crisis, this video provides an expansive definition of horticulture and its relevance and importance for humanity. It is of interest to those exploring a career in horticulture and a sustainable lifestyle.
David Domoney CHort FCIHort – Careers in Horticulture
David Domoney, Chartered horticulturist, writer, broadcaster and ambassador for the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, shares his experiences of working within the horticulture industry. A regular on ITV’S This Morning and co-presenter of Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden, David explains why horticulture is so much more than simply gardening.
Horticulture offers a wide range of diverse career opportunities. The links below provide a wealth of information about careers in horticulture and related disciplines. Click on the links for further information.
Please note that details in the case studies and career information may change over time. However, these resources will give you a good insight into the wealth of career options available in this broad, diverse and exciting industry.
Arboriculture Association
If you are interested in working in Arboriculture, read more about career options, study pathways, apprenticeships, career progression and a directory of education and training providers.
https://www.trees.org.uk/Careers
British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
Go landscape if you would like to know more about careers in the Landscaping industry.
https://www.golandscape.co.uk/
Horticulture Trade Association (HTA)
In 2026 Broad Horizon’s was launched. It is a 12 month development programme designed to provide participants with exposure to areas of the industry that they may not normally experience in their day-to-day roles, offering a broader understanding of the sector. Applications are open in early October (12 month programme of 6.5 days for 8-10 applicants).
Lantra
To find out more about a wide range of diverse career opportunities available in the Horticulture & Landscaping sectors including a selection of career profiles, qualifications, places to study and case studies from those working in the industry.
https://www.lantra.co.uk/careers/Industry/Horticulture%20%26%20Landscaping
National Land Based College
Their website provides information and support on education and training, from college and university courses through to work based apprenticeships and CPD.
https://nlbc.uk/education-training/
Perennial
In 2026 Perennial, the UK charity supporting people working in horticulture, began offering support with training and employability skills. Visit their Career hub for horticulturists and Horticultural training and qualifications for further details.
Career support & guidance for gardeners and horticulturalists | Perennial
RHS
Careers in horticulture – find out more from people who work in the industry from horticultural scientists, garden media, advisory roles, plant production and many more existing careers.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/careers-horticulture
‘New Shoots’ also have some useful links to explore. Taster sessions offered to 14 years+, work experience opportunities for school students aged 14–18 or adults aged 18+, apprenticeships, and Science and Collections Summer Studentships (6–10 week summer research project – gaining experience in field & laboratory work, data collection and analysis; apply in November for the following year)
TIAH
Careers in food production (farming and crop production) information and resources available on their website include career options, classroom resources, virtual work experience and short courses, case studies and spotlights many industries in food production.
https://www.tiah.org/careers-in-farming-and-growing
International Internships & Training Programs
USA – Longwood Gardens
Offer 10 international training and internship programs a year to individuals outside the United States who have a horticulture degree or equivalent qualification and one year (or more) relevant work experience. The RHS sponsors one placement each year. However, did you know that you can also apply directly to Longwood?
Applications open annually on 1 December and close on 15 January. The Longwood programme lasts nine months, from September to May. Placements involve working 40 hours per week and are paid. Participants are provided with rent-free accommodation, health insurance in the United States and return airfare from their home airport to Philadelphia International Airport.
International Internship & Training Program | Longwood Gardens
USA – Seed our Future
Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. They envision a world where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture. There are many careers in horticulture click on this link for more information.
Horticulture Careers – Seed Your Future
For internship opportunities in the USA
Internships – Seed Your Future
Primary & secondary education resources
Countryside Classroom. Helps teachers to find resources, places to visit and school support relating to the themes of food, farming and the natural environment.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/about
The National Education Nature Park offers a free programme that provides educators with resources, support, and guidance to embed climate and nature into learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5.
NFU education site has some great resources aimed at primary STEM teaching.
https://education.nfuonline.com/countryside
For advice regarding the possible inclusion of new information and corrections on this site, please contact the Chartered Institute of Horticulture at cih@horticulture.org.uk.
Can’t decide which area of horticulture is right for you?
These are historic case studies from 2016, however they give good insight into roles and careers that exist across production horticulture, consultancy and public and private landscapes.
What does a career in horticulture actually look like?
Leah Jones
Team Leader
I love changing the machines over getting dirty driving the forklift that’s just me it’s perfect for me…
Lachlan Rae
Head Gardener
What is great about the horticultural industry is the variation of professions and disciplines…
Marc Jones
Managing Director
There are so many reasons working with plants has been my first love…
Michael Walker
Consultant
Michael shares his tips on the skills required to progress to Head Gardener roles, the challenges and opportunities in the sector and the concept of ‘sense of place’.
Art & design
Business Production & Food
Heritage & Conservation
Health & Wellbeing
As well as those listed below, other related jobs include Project coordinator, Garden Designer for sensory or therapeutic gardens and Gardener.
Plant Science & Technology
While it is easy to categorise different careers within horticultural science and technology, many problems require more than one specialisation so many scientists work in multidisciplinary teams to solve specific problems. This creates a complete range of career paths from the narrow specialist to the broad general scientist or engineer.
There are many science careers either within horticulture or interacting with horticulture and the topics below attempt to give a general flavour. However, there are many more for example engineers designing machinery or greenhouses and mathematicians studying plant populations, Plant Health Inspectors and Lecturers.